Who Is Sam Pitroda? Ex-Congress Leader Mocked For Racism, Holds 100 Patents!

Who Is Sam Pitroda? Ex-Congress Leader Mocked For Racism, Holds 100 Patents!

Free Movies: 9 of the Best Netflix Alternatives to Entertain You - CNET

Watch great movies from horror to fantasy to holiday and more with these great Netflix alternatives.

NBCC bags contracts worth Rs 450 crore in Chhattisgarh, Kerala

NBCC obtained Rs 450 crore contracts from the Supreme Court's Receiver for projects in Chhattisgarh and Kerala. ASPIRE aims to complete 38,000 flats. R Venkataramani is involved. The contracts were disclosed in a regulatory filing.

Ola Electric motorcycle design patent leaked!

In 2023, Ola Electric revealed four electric motorcycle concepts. The company certainly has ambitions to enter this space of the EV market, and now an image of what could be the brand's first e-bike has leaked online. The leaked patent image reveals what appears to be an entry-level electric motorcycle, unlike the fancy concepts we saw last year. It has a futuristic design with crisp lines and angular surfaces all around. The electric bike is equipped with a conventional telescopic front fork and dual shock absorbers with a box-type swingarm at the rear. It rides on alloy wheels, shod with narrow tyres, aimed at reducing drag. While technical details are not available at the moment, the electric motor and battery pack could be housed within the frame of the bike, protected by flat body panels. Looking at the overall shape of Ola's electric bike, it could be a possible rival to the Revolt RV400 and Tork Kratos R. Source: Bikewale

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber patent image leaked

Royal Enfield plans to launch six new motorcycles this year, which includes the Classic 350 Bobber. Here's a leaked patent image that reveals new details of the upcoming bike. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber is rumoured to be called Goan Classic 350. It has a circular headlamp with pilot lights on either side, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank and a tall handlebar. The bike could get the option of a dual-seat setup with a removable pillion seat. Another interesting design detail about the Goan Classic 350 is the white wall tyres that wrap around wire-spoke wheels. The Classic 350 Bobber is expected to be powered by the same 349cc J Series engine that is offered on the standard Classic 350. It produces 20.2 BHP and 27 Nm and will be paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The bike will feature a conventional telescopic fork at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. The braking setup will consist of discs at both ends supported by dual-channel ABS. Source: Bikewale

Nexon DCA abruptly shifts to neutral when driving; Have a few questions

BHPian red_hot_punto recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I'm going to talk about the Abrupt, automatic transition of drive mode from Drive to Neutral when the new Nexon facelift 2K24 DCA was on the move! Hope this is the right place to share the below information. A week back last Sunday 24th March, my friend was driving from his home town Murudeshwar back to Bengaluru in his brand new 2K24 Nexon DCA facelift model bought on Feb 14. So the car was just 38 days on the roads with occasional use for just learning. Below are his own words: We were heading towards Bangalore from Murudeshwar via Shivamogga on a Sunday 24th March. Just after our journey of covering around 130 km while the car was on the move, the gear came to Neutral automatically and the accelerator was not working. It happened near the ghat section before Sagar. There we turned off the ignition completely and restarted after 10 minutes, then the car started working and with Drive mode it went for 80km and again while from Running mode changed to city, then to sports and later to economy mode automatically on its own and abruptly came to Neutral. l! The transmission unit was completely locked while the car was running. With God's grace, the road was free and we were able to park the car next to the road. Further tries to restart went in vain. And luckily it all happened at noon. Then we started contacting the showroom where the vehicle was purchased. Since it was Sunday they said no service person was available so contact the toll-free number directly. Later I contacted the toll-free number and the vehicle was towed to the nearest service centre. Initially, Tata wanted to provide transportation for only 50kms where Bengaluru was still 270 km away. But later agreed to provide transportation for the family including a small kid to reach Bangalore only after some harsh exchange of words. We reached Bangalore post midnight. Imagine the situation if we would have got stuck in the ghats where the network would be very low or if the time had happened in the middle of the night! Got an update from the service centre after 1 week. They mentioned that 2 engine components are malfunctioning: the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) & ABS (not sure how ABS is related to this). They ordered from TATA MOTORS and said it would take another 10 days to repair the vehicle. Now the big questions below:What would have been the consequence if the acceleration failure had crept in right at the time of overtaking with another vehicle approaching from the opposite side at high speed?Considering my friend is a newbie, how he would have handled such a critical failure during an uphill ascent?How confidently he can overtake in the future even if gets the vehicle repairedHow trustworthy is Tata when it comes to reliabilityCan someone think of night drives after such a harsh experience?Is the problem unique with DCAs alone and is not mature and reliable enough?How long has DCA technology been in use worldwideCan something similar happen with the manuals from TataHe is yet to get the vehicle back. Can someone suggest what guarantee he should get from the Tatas before he takes the delivery? Whether it should be in writing? Highly appreciate any suggestion regarding the matter. Below are some pics: Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

My 5th-gen Honda City ownership review: Upgraded from an 8th-gen Civic

BHPian saket77 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Likes and Dislikes summed up Likes:The amazing 1.5L free-revving motor is a joy to drive. Sounds terrific too.Mated to a slick 6-speed MT with a sweet clutch.Well-tuned steering.Good equipment levels.Physical buttons for the entertainment system and climate control system.Has good street presence in times when sedans are literally dead.Spacious cabin and boot make it a practical choice for families.Honda's reliability.Good ergonomics and supporting seats.5 Star safety with good safety kit (ASEAN NCAP for the international model)Good highway manners with balanced suspension set up at fair speeds.Good interiors with improved part quality.Some smart touches in the cabin design like phone holders, driver-side dashboard compartments and strategically placed small lights.Honda Connect app is useful- more for those using the services of a paid driver.Dislikes:Weak low-end torque felt especially with passengers and taking the second gear speed breaker test and on small inclines.185 section factory fitted tyres: Upgrade advised for enthusiastic driving.ADAS concerns especially regarding the emergency auto-braking system (CMBS).No wheel well insulation. Road noise filters into the cabin even with better tyres.Steel rim space saver (read: cost saver) spare wheel.Poor resolution of reversing and lane watch camera.No USB-C port.Non-adjustable driver's armrest.No ventilated seats from the factory.No option to turn off Auto headlamps.No 360-degree camera.No TPMS to show exact tyre pressures- though it gets a tyre deflation warning system based on wheel speed calibration.Honda Connect app acts glitchy at times.Prelude:Since we sold our 8th Gen Honda Civic a few months back (Story is here), we started scouting the options to fill the void. In times when SUVs, compact SUVs, cross-overs, etc are in rage, we felt like outliers whenever we discussed getting a sedan with family and friends. We all have our own car opinions and true to it, we got so much advice from all our friends and well-wishers who surely meant well, but none of them suggested a sedan. Also due to the market demand and dynamics thereof, the C-segment sedan market has dried up of options with basically only 4 cars to choose from: Honda (City), Hyundai (Verna), VW (Virtus) and Skoda (Slavia). Sorry if I ignored Ciaz, but only after Maruti didChoice of car:Of all the cars above, design-wise I liked the Virtus the most with its clean lines, and the Euro design philosophy paired with the timeless looks. For me, a car has to look good first and Virtus was the best-looking of the lot. Somehow not a fan of Slavia's looks and interiors. Verna was too loud for my taste. We didn't visit the VW showroom because if we had, we might have fallen for the looks. I kept my cars for a long, and honestly, VW didn't give me confidence in terms of long-term reliability aspect which is another very important criterion for me, hence we did not consider the Virtus at all despite being the looker it is. However, we did visit Hyundai just to check the Verna since my wife had gotten her i20 recently and she liked the Verna then too. I liked the proportions and the side profile of Verna but the front and rear end styling was too radical and polarizing. My wife seemed to like it, especially in the black colour but unfortunately, it simply didn't click for me. Also, the suspension seemed to be tuned a little too soft. The ventilated seat was a tempting feature and if we went for the City, we would miss it (Or did we - read on to know) as even the top-end City didn't have it. Coming to Honda, I liked the 5th Gen City since it was launched. Honestly, given our good experience with Honda, we were more or less already decided about the City. Generalizing- but in the long term, Japanese cars, especially the likes of Honda and Toyota tend to prove reliable workhorses. The City looked good from most angles. Though proportions-wise, Honda could have done better, especially in the boot compartment and the rear end still I would rate the overall design as good. The front looks wicked, especially with the LED headlamps. Even the projector lamps on the other variants looked good on this car. In the top variant (ZX), carbon finish inserts in bumpers and the grill made the front styling look pretty aggressive. We walked into the showroom casually (Victory Honda, Ranchi) on a Sunday for an average experience and checked a Blue ZX and a White VX variant. The VX is an absolute value-for-money variant. My 8-year-old daughter had just one simple demand- she was okay with any car but it must have a sunroof and thankfully that was available in VX too. The VX ticked most options for us and we made a mental note that we would get the VX since the ZX was a good 1.25L higher. [As per Honda's nomenclature: ZX>VX>V>SV]Choice of colour:The Blue and Brown shades looked lovely in person but given the lazy soul I am, maintaining such colours would have been a nightmare for me. White also looked good but somehow most City(s) we came across on the road those days were White, giving us the impression that it had become a common colour. The only colour which wasn't available with the dealership was Silver. No variant. Also, we used to spot a lot less Silver City(s) on roads. My wife wanted a darker colour but for ease of maintenance, we finally decided to go for silver even without seeing the colour in person. I wanted some more time to get my research done fully so we did not book the car at that time. Started reading about the variants and features of the car and noticed that the carbon inserts on the front and rear bumpers of the ZX variant looked really good. Also, the honeycomb grill on ZX looked better compared to the simple plain slatted VX grill. The ZX came with LED headlamps which were a looker. I am not a fan of the rear trunk spoiler but the ZX gets that too. I would have been happy without it too. However, more than that, the feature list of ZX included full leather seats (other variants get fabric seats), leather-wrapped steering, a better music system, very premium auto-dimming rearview mirror, 16 wheels (more on this later), all windows auto roll up/down & rear sunshades among many others which totally justified the premium over the VX. Hence we decided to stretch a little more and get the ZX and be done with comparing what we get vs what we miss if going for any other variant. Going for the top variant also avoids any after-market addition as most features are already built-in.The Impulsive Booking:Once we had made the variant choice clear, we visited the dealership to take a good look at the Blue ZX display piece they had and booked the car paying a nominal amount. Booking was almost impulsive as we didn't plan to book it on the same day. Crossing our fingers, we put the money on the silver colour without even seeing the car due to the non-availability of the shade just hoping that it would look good. We ideally wanted to delay the purchase by a month at least but soon Honda announced a price hike from April up to the tune of 30K and this is when we decided to go get it in March itself. Continue reading BHPian saket77's review for more insights and information.

Hyundai considering subscription fees for in-car features

Hyundai could be the latest carmaker to get onto the 'subscription fee' bandwagon. According to reports, the South Korean carmaker is considering introducing pay-to-use features in its cars, to keep them connected to their customers post-sale. Marcus Welz, Head of Hyundai Connected Mobility, stated, We are looking at feature-on-demand as an option, in order to add more personalisation in the car. He further mentioned, For years we worried about how we were going to sell more cars. Today we worry about 'what if all we do is sell cars? Adding to this, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, VP for Marketing, Product & PR, Hyundai, stated, The future of mobility, from today owning cars to transferring to subscriptions. As per reports, Hyundai plans to restructure its BlueLink connected technology, which currently allows owners to control a number of features, including pre-conditioning, locking/unlocking car and sat-nav. The restructured tech will come on a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen and be offered in 3 grades: Lite, Plus & Pro. The Lite pack will be free for the first 10 years and will come with in-car map use & only service only. The Plus pack costs 2.99 euros a month and will give access to all remote services. For the top 'Pro' pack, Hyundai will charge 9.99 euros a month and will provide data-driven services, in-cat payments and connect drivers with surroundings. Welz further stated that the benefit of feature-on-demand is o bring new features into older cars. He further mentioned, A lot of advancements can actually be done through the software, so you can utilise the existing hardware. We will keep developing these features and functionality and then we will provide them to users. Source: Autocar UK

10 Incredible Health Benefits Of Cucumbers You Need To Know Now

10 Incredible Health Benefits Of Cucumbers You Need To Know Now

Trash it right: We must transform waste management

India must get its act together. Thankfully, there exists a viable business model focused on the environmental as well as social impact of waste management, one that uses twin revenue streams to achieve a triple balance of people, planet and profits.

2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift to be launched in India tomorrow

Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch the all-new Swift in the Indian market. The fourth generation of the popular hatchback will go on sale in the country on May 9, 2024. Pre-bookings of the new Swift are already underway at Maruti Suzuki dealerships across India. Customers can place their orders by paying a token amount of Rs 11,000. According to reports, the 2024 Swift will be available in five variants: LXi, VXi, VXi (O), ZXi and ZXi+. Features like halogen projector headlamps, rear defogger, ESC, Hill Start Assist and dual front airbags could be offered as standard. Higher variants of the Swift are likely to get features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a wireless charger, height-adjustable driver seat, electric ORVMs and automatic climate control, to name a few. On the outside, the new Swift will feature LED headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lights, LED taillights and dual-tone alloy wheels. The 2024 Swift will be offered with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine that produces 80 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 112 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. The engine is expected to be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT.

Rockwell plans to expand in India with more factories, tech workers

Rockwell Automation considers expanding its technology workforce and establishing additional factories in India to bolster manufacturing. The industrial automation equipment maker, celebrating 40 years in India, aims to leverage the country as a technology hub for product development. Plans include hiring for technology centers and opening more factories, following its recent announcement of a plant in Tamil Nadu.

1 month with my Jimny: Would I buy it after knowing what I know so far

BHPian blueberry recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Living with the Jimny - 1st month updateI've covered 2000 km in the first month. Some of my opinions on the Jimny have now changed, and some have solidified. Got the first service done. Changed the engine oil. I opted to continue with the OEM mineral engine oil- 0W16 spec. Nexa Vipul Motors at Sector 57 Noida has a very nice service facility. Clean AC waiting room, with a coffee machine and snacks. The washrooms were clean too. Service bay & the technicians working on the cars as seen from the waiting room. Owners are welcome to be in the service bay while the vehicles are getting serviced. This white Jimny had come all the way from KL. The drive shaft on this didn't have the infamous ring (scratch).Fun bits:The Jimny is a cool car. I've got friendly waves and thumbs-ups from kids to senior citizens.Black Jimny with BH plates gets mistaken for a govt vehicle and I've been saluted & waved through in many central Delhi checkpoints.On the highways I get 16-17kmpl and in the city 13-14kmpl. In very heavy traffic (4km in 1 hr) - I get around 9.The low-end torque is a boon. 3rd gear is sufficient for puttering around town.Neutral bits:Though the AC is a chiller, under the harsh Delhi sun - it is not as powerful as other Marutis (Swift / WagonR). Could it be because of the larger greenhouse area?Gearing is very short - A 6th gear would help with relaxed cruising.Annoying bits:There is a mild buzz in the IRVM at low RPMs - between 1000-1250 rpm, under acceleration. It strains the eye.Lack of interior storage space is a royal pain. Especially when I get into the Jimny after using other cars. Never before have I appreciated door pockets & bottle holders.In 4WD mode, at full steering lock - the engine stalls if the engine speed is less than 1250 RPM. Not sure why this would be.Handsfree microphone doesn't pick up sound easily on calls- I'm having to speak 2 notches higher than I normally would.GPS is inaccurate by 30 meters. At roundabouts, it causes much confusion and missed exits. This inaccuracy exists for all the phones I've tried with. The same phones on other cars work perfectly fine. I figure the 7 infotainment unit also needs a software update.Would I buy the Jimny after knowing what I know so far?A strong YES! None of the compromises I came in prepared to make were as bad as I imagined. The fun and happy bits are just as strong as I imagined. The Jimny is a small, city-friendly interesting car - which can take a fair bit of abuse. It has got its share of compromises - but the glee I get while driving this outweighs them all. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Value chain risk: Will Vietnam end up like another Chinese province?

Global supply-chain diversifiers had better stay alert. Local politics could mean Vietnam develops Chinese characteristics.

Bajaj developing a lighter Dominar 400 with new features

Bajaj Auto recently launched the most powerful Pulsar yet, the NS400Z. Going forward, the company plans to expand its 400cc line-up, starting with the updated Dominar 400. According to Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, the company is working on plans to update its Dominar range of bikes. The facelift version is expected to get a slew of features, including a new TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The Dominar 400 could also share some features with the NS400Z. These might include ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control and multiple riding modes. Reports also state that the next Dominar 400 will be much lighter than the outgoing version. Weighing in at 193 kg, the current iteration of the bike is on the heavier side. The engine, however, will remain the same. The bike will continue to use a 373cc liquid-cooled unit producing 39.5 BHP and 35 Nm. The upside-down front fork and mono-shock rear suspension are likely to be carried over unchanged, along with the brakes.Source: Bikewale

Does 120 km/h speed limit on Eastern Peripheral Expressway make sense

BHPian MadinMumbai recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Driving down the much-lauded Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Delhi, I came across signs setting the speed limit @120kmph. I couldn't help but think- what are these guys smoking? The road surface is bumpy beyond 80 kmph, and when the car hits a joint I find it difficult to keep my lunch. At 120 kmph, I would imagine it being a roller coaster-type ride. Does anyone else feel that 120 kmph is an abstract figure, plucked out of the air? I do hope other expressways are better designed else we are in for some serious traffic mess and mayhem. Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:There is no real science to our authorities assigning speed limits to roads, and I see blunders all the time. For instance, 30 kmph speed limit on the JJ Flyover is painstakingly slow and dare I say dangerous too. On the other hand, I saw a 100 kmph speed limit on such a 2-lane highway in Goa (not exactly this point, but a similar patch after this one)! Was very surprised - it's too high for this kind of road: 100 kmph for the arrow-straight Atal Setu is too low in my opinion. It should be 120 kmph.Here's what BHPian Mystic had to say about the matter:I have done research in civil engineering and am also a petrolhead. Let me give my opinion.In India, we have 120 kmph as the MAXIMUM speed limit for expressways, 110 kmph for national highways and 70 kmph for urban roads for the M1 category of vehicles. The M1 category includes most passenger vehicles which have fewer than 8 seats.What is the quality of road construction in India as per the world standards in specifications? The answer is poor for the obvious reasons. The Government releases the funds and related speed limits as per certain specifications for a type of road but in reality, the contractor has to take care of the obvious formalities and compromises on quality.Inspite of point 2, we still have engineers who will give their lives for the maintenance of quality in such prestigious expressway projects India is building now (my father is one among them as he retired as Chief Engineer of Roads with the Government). It is not only the quality of materials that go into roads but there are also a lot of so many parameters like camber etc that need to be taken care of otherwise the car going at 120 kmph will be thrown out tangentially and we see such stunts very frequently on our expressways in India. Some expressways are too good and some are not and hence it is up to the Driver to take a call and not get carried by the power of an individual car.Camber in Road, refers to the curvature or slope provided to the surface of a road or any other paved surface. It is designed to ensure proper drainage of water from the road surface and provide improved safety and comfort for vehicles and pedestrians.There are risks involved with Indian roads in spite of a perfectly constructed expressway and 12-cylinder car, we never know if we see suddenly a person / 3-wheeler shared autos or an animal crossing the road at the most unexpected moment. I have personally travelled in multi-axle Volvo buses maintained by Governments and they go at a cruising speed of 100 kmph maximum even if the vehicle is capable of higher speeds because the Govt puts electronic control on their buses with GPS tracking. I wish the personal vehicle drivers also not go beyond 3 digits in India. Let us drive in a defensive manner and get a chance to live for another day to ourselves and our fellow passengers.Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:Depends on your car. While the surface is not baby-butt smooth, it is still very decent. Cars with good dynamics can easily cruise at 120 all day here. Of course, a host of vehicles, especially sub 15 lakh, are totally out of their depth at such speeds with their rear ends continuously bobbing up and down. List includes all Marutis except S Cross, Brezza and GV, all Hyundais apart from the current gen Verna, Venue and Creta, and all Hondas. We have started getting world-class roads, but mass-market cars with decent highway speed manners are still few and far between. Manufacturers have been guilty of short-charging us here, exactly like with crash safety. Secondly, maintenance also comes into play here. Bad suspensions, tire sidewall bulges, improper pressures, balancing issues etc will all catch you out. 120 kmph is the default on all new world-class roads being built. Personally, I feel the infra is good enough for 150 kmph, but the cars are not there yet in terms of output. Already, lanes get choked by trucks not going faster than 60-70 and waves of wheezy 1.2NA engined Marutis, Hyundais and Tatas all going at about the same speed and struggling to overtake each other. It is literally the expressway version of 3 autos hogging 3 lanes, trying to sneak ahead. Delta in performance with the latest turbo petrols is too much. If we want American-style roads, we also need that kind of power from the engines.Here's what BHPian MotoBlip had to say about the matter:I get what you're saying. I've driven between Delhi and Jaipur twice on the new expressway, and despite all the hype about it being a world-class road, I wasn't impressed. The trip back, especially the first 70 kilometers or so from Dausa to Delhi, was really bad, especially considering that it's a new highway. Even though there wasn't much traffic, the road was bumpy and there were already patches on the surface. On top of that, the toll charges are almost Rs2/km, so naturally, one expects better. Granted, the cars I used aren't top-of-the-line, but they feel perfectly fine on the Yamuna expressway, which is a decade old and I drive on at least once a month. Moreover, a colleague recently drove the same stretch in a Volkswagen Vento and had a similar experience, so I don't think the cars are to blame here. Maybe there are geographical reasons for the road's condition, but right now, I'll be honest and say these highways aren't world-class yet. They seem to be rushing things, and I think that's why the quality suffers.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

USA: F1-themed restaurant with 69 racing simulators

According to media reports, Boston now has America's first F1-themed restaurant. 'Arcade Hub' is an F1-themed restaurant that has 69 full-motion racing simulators spread over a two-story 16,000 square feet facility. All the 69 racing simulators are linked together, offering customers a chance to go head-to-head or race in teams on various current Formula 1 tracks. Regular visitors can even create personal driver profiles. Visitors can earn 'Arcadian' points, which can be exchanged for various items, just like in gaming arcades from the yesteryears. Apart from the racing simulators, the facility also offers plenty of food and drink options. Some of them even have motorsport-themed names. While the first F1 arcade came up in 2022 in London, UK, this is the first such restaurant in the USA. Boston is said to be just one of multiple locations planned in the country, with Washington DC being next on the list. Adam Breeden, CEO & F1 Arcade Founder, stated, Guests can enjoy an exceptional adrenaline-packed venue and the thrill of racing in one space. The launch of F1 Arcade Boston Seaport paves the way for our ambitious US expansion, as we look ahead to opening our second venue this Fall in Washington DC. Source: Motor1

Xiaomi claims it can build one EV every 76 seconds

Xiaomi, which recently entered the EV industry, has received an overwhelming response to its electric car, the SU7. The company currently has over 75,000 orders within a month of launching its first EV. To help speed up deliveries and reduce waiting times, Xiaomi has developed a new production process which uses both gigacasting and stamping processes to build the SU7. The new system was self-developed by Xiaomi in collaboration with Haitian. The system, named '9100t', measures the size of two basketball courts. The name refers to the clamping force of the machine. The new system creates the entire rear floor assembly of the SU7, reducing 72 parts, which previously needed to be stamped and welded together. The rear floor assembly can now be produced in just 100 seconds. The use of one single part in the production line amounts to 840 fewer welding points and a 45% reduction in production time. The single-part use also makes the car 17% lighter and reduces road noise by 2 dB. Xiaomi also claims that the life expectancy of the part is now well over 2 million kilometres - 10 times more than that of a traditional floor panel. Xiaomi has also developed a group of die-casting machines consisting of 60 devices and 433 processes, which includes the 9100t. This high degree of automation has helped the brand ramp up capacity to 40 cars in one hour or 76 seconds for every car. Xiaomi's production plant is said to make use of 700 robots and 181 autonomous mobile robots. Xiaomi also uses machines for quality inspection, which is said to have an accuracy level of 99.9%. Source: CarNewsChina

Struggling to upgrade from my Endeavour: Is the X3 m40i a good option?

BHPian Wanderers recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I sold my 3.2L 4X4 Endeavour in January-24 and ever since have been looking for suitable replacement. While I am open to all options starting from Jeep Compass, Fortuner, X1, XC60 but off late it has come down to three- GLC (petrol) X3(diesel) and discovery sport (petrol) Discovery Sport The facelift discovery sport with new dashboard and pivi pro screen looks great but minimalistic. One need to use it to appreciate. They have done the best utilisation of touch and hold function giving multiple options instead of browsing. Also this car gives the true feeling of SUV with commanding view and off road capabilities including transparent bonnet which is far far superior than Mercedes (it works even at higher speed unlike Mercedes)At Rs 77.5 lakhs on road, this is very competitively priced with respect to others in the list. Just remember the recent price reduction is on account of slight strip down as we now have SE trim instead of HSE. Also no discount except some exchange or Tata employee referral- Rs 40K Downside discovery sport suffers from feeling of being too old and badly needing a generation change. Also while it is cheapest of all Land Rover's, things are pretty expensive during service or extended warranty. So these are the major deterrents and I have put it aside for time being. Also I am very clear- No great discount, no purchase (thanks to Amazon) Mercedes GLC The new GLC 300 is fun to drive with great interior and overall well packaged. It certainly drives better than X3 20d (take test drive to believe it) The sound system is mind boggling and class apart in comparison to other two.What more it comes with attractive discount. Initially the good discount was only on MY23 cars but from April same is also available on MY24 cars. Downside, the service, accessories and extended warranty are very costly and look wise not exactly a SUV. The seating position is more car like than a SUV. Also I am not great fan of all touch only controls. BMW X3 20D/M40i I love Xs, all the way from X1 to X7, so even though X3 is only available in diesel I was willing to take a plunge provided I get good discount. Well there are discounts which makes it cheapest of all three here but not with a great margin to jump for. Also my love for X was put to test as I really did not feel great while driving 20d in comparison to other two. The ride was bumpy and did not manage a good drivers view and car did not look planted to road which was very much in GLC. Overall it was a disappointment. Then came a twist when the dealer saw that I was not keen on diesel, they offered a X3M40i at a whopping discount, which brings the X3 M40i in range, something I can consider although it was still high as such. The car is CBU with manufacturing date (as per VIN decoder) May 23 and made in US plant. The car is currently put as display and has done only 22 km on odometer. There is nothing which looks old or bad about the car. As per VIN all the features mentioned in brochure are present. Also this is not a test drive car as I have seen the same as different. I plan to keep the car for 7-8 years and accordingly invite fellow BHPians for their views and recommendation between GLC and X3 M40i. Any other suggestions also welcome. Please note that performance car is not my primary look out except that I have been offered one in my price range. Also I will be driving this car to mountains, off beat locations and bad roads but not off road exactly. Here's what GTO had to say on the matterI love Xs, all the way from X1 to X7, so even though X3 is only available in diesel I was willing to take a plunge provided I get good discount. Well there are discounts which makes it cheapest of all three here but not with a great margin to jump for. Also my love for X was put to test as I really did not feel great while driving 20d in comparison to other two. The ride was bumpy and did not manage a good drivers view and car did not look planted to road which was very much in GLC. Overall it was a disappointment. Then came a twist when the dealer saw that I was not keen on diesel, they offered a X3M40i at a whopping discount, which brings the X3 M40i in range, something I can consider although it was still high as such.The car is CBU with manufacturing date (as per VIN decoder) May 23 and made in US plant. The car is currently put as display and has done only 22 km on odometer. There is nothing which looks old or bad about the car. As per vin all the features mentioned in brochure are present. Also this is not a test drive car as I have seen the same as different. I plan to keep the car for 7-8 years and accordingly invite fellow BHPians for their views and recommendation between GLC and X3 M40i. Any other suggestions also welcome. Please note that performance car is not my primary look out except that I have been offered one in my price range. Also I will be driving this car to mountains, off beat locations and bad roads but not off road exactly.Here's what BHPian Rajjaiswal92 had to say on the matter:Oh god, you are in for a big disappointment. I have been on a similar boat tried to find a replacement for my 2016 Titanium 3.2 AT but failed miserably. You cannot expect the true blue SUV behaviour from any of these, none will come even close to it, i happen to own several cars from different luxury brands but none even come close to the pure grunt this ladder on frame SUV provides. The only SUV which made sense to me was the XC-90 you should seriously consider it.Here's what BHPian Varun_Hexaguy had to say on the matter:Why is the GLC even in picture when the X3 M40i is the other car in consideration? If you can do it, please go ahead and get the X3 M40i already. It is one car that you won't regret buying. That car plastered a wide smile across my face during the TD that I took quite recently. This car drives better than most crossovers/SUVs sub 1cr on-road. There simply is no contention. Also, if I may ask, what are the kind of discounts that are being offered on the same?Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:X3 M40i is a very different animal and is not exactly suited to long distance touring in Indian conditions, especially if you like to venture beyond the main highways. Pls evaluate very carefully on the space, practicality and ruggedness aspects. It will be like moving from a truck to a sports car, with the associated advantages as well as compromises. Pls especially consider the large alloys, the low profile tires and the spare tire situation. I understand your predicament, there is no like for like replacement of the Endy, or even an upgrade of similar attributes unless you are looking to spend well in eight figures. The closest options in a realistic budget are the Kodiaq and Grand Cherokee. The upcoming new Kodiaq is not far away, and can be considered. Kodiaq is the perfect all rounder SUV. As you have managed to find great deals with BMW, have you scouted for the same at Audi? The Q7 is a fantastic car that still comes with relatively same price tags and also carries additional handsome discounts. This just might be the perfect package you are looking for. Otherwise, considering your touring requirements, it may well be advisable to compromise a bit on badge value and limit options to the Meridian and the super competent XUV700 AWD top model. Or even the Innova HyCross ZX(O). A lot of Innova sales come from potential luxury car buyers.Here's what BHPian vb-saan had to say on the matter:The immediate thought (almost as a no-brainer) would be the X3 M40i, but I said almost because the new X3 is just around the corner. So effectively you will be buying an outgoing generation car. The GLC on the other hand is relatively fresh in the market and is the option I would suggest at this point.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

What TikTok failed to understand about America: Democracy

TikToks aggressive tactic of mobilizing its American users to protest a US law on data privacy only worsened the anxiety over this social media platforms political influence. Chinese-owned TikTok got its US market strategy all wrong.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 discontinued; replaced by Ninja 500

In February, Kawasaki launched the Ninja 500 in India. However, the bike maker continued to offer the Ninja 400 to clear existing inventory. The latter has now been formally discontinued. The Ninja 400 is no longer listed on the official website, which indicates that the model has been taken off the shelves. In 2022, the Ninja 400 was upgraded to comply with the BS6 emission norms. The updated bike was powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that made 44.8 BHP @ 10,000 rpm and 37 Nm @ 8,000 rpm. It came with a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. Its replacement, the Ninja 500, uses a 451cc parallel-twin engine that makes 45 BHP @ 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm. It too is imported as a CBU and costs Rs 5.24 lakh (ex-showroom). The Ninja 500 competes with the Yamaha R3, Aprilia RS 457 and the KTM RC 390 in the Indian market.

2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO Review : 8 Pros & 7 Cons

Mahindra XUV 3XO ProsA truly premium crossover. Nice build, quality & refinement levelsCabin has enough space for 5. Quality-wise, the interior is more like a HyundaiFantastic petrol & diesel engine line-up; they offer fast performance & good driveabilityFinally gets a smooth torque converter automatic with the turbo-petrol enginesWide variant spread ensures there's something for everyoneA compliant ride with sorted road manners5-star NCAP rating & kit. Level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, seatbelt reminders for all & moreLoaded to the gills with equipment (360-degree camera, big sunroof, drive modes, Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone connectivity, auto headlamps & wipers etc.)Mahindra XUV 3XO ConsThe new edgy & outlandish design may not be to everyone's liking. Some love it, some don't. It is very polarizingTop-end variants are expensive. Not overpriced, but definitely higher than expected295-liter boot is the smallest in the segment. There are cheaper hatchbacks that have a larger bootNo proper diesel automatic option, just a jerky AMT which has no place in a premium crossoverLight & disconnected steering is the biggest drawback in a competent handling packageMahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gambleSome important features missing (ventilated seats, parcel tray, full-sized spare wheel, paddle shifters etc.)Read Team-BHP's detailed Mahindra XUV 3XO Review

Do hybrid bonds actually offer bank depositors any protection?

The issue needs to be settled. At stake is their ability to absorb losses and act as capital cushions for lenders.

My Interceptor 650: 18,000 km update including fuel efficiency and mods

BHPian rajeevsulu recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It is 14 months since I got the Interceptor. Today, I hit the 18,000 km mark.My experience so farI have had a lot of fun with this machine. Though a few things could have been better, I am still very happy with what this machine provides at this price point. I have stuck to Power 95 petrol throughout, and have an average mileage of close to 27 kmpl. My usage is 100%highway and I just ride in town to get out onto the highway which is just a km away. All services done at the Royal Enfield service centre only with nothing out of the ordinary done to the bike. I have swapped out the exhausts to PoweRage end cans, changed my rear tyre at 13,000 kms, fixed bar end mirrors at 5000 kms. Everything else is stock.IssuesI have used RSA twice, both when the bike was parked at home. The first issue was when the bike refused to start. RSA took the battery, charged it for a day, checked it, put it back and all is well. This was at 11,000 kms. The second issue was when I had a flat at home. RSA fixed it. This was at 13,500 kms right after I had changed the tyre. I have been planning to get auxiliary lights fixed, as, the lights are pretty bad and most of my riding is before sunrise but never got around to doing it. I find the brakes very adequate, the rear has a very good feel, suspension could be a little better, but, it is a very good package and does the job.Few pictures Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Mahindra 3X0 vs XUV300: Here's everything that's different between them

BHPian MotorDev recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Mahindra has finally unveiled the latest XUV300, named the XUV 3XO, after a long wait. The company has added several features to make the 3XO a better model than its predecessor. Below, I compare the new XUV 3XO with the old XUV300. Related Pics Dimensions There have been some slight changes in the car's dimensions. The old XUV300 measured 3995mm in length, 1821mm in width, and 1627mm in height, whereas the new XUV 3XO's dimensions are 3990mm in length, 1821mm in width, and 1641mm in height. Additionally, the new 3XO has a ground clearance of 201mm, which is more than the old XUV300's 180mm, and the new 3XO offers a larger boot space of 364 litres compared to the old XUV300's 257 litres.Exterior ChangesFront Mahindra is offering the XUV 3XO with a redesigned front end. It gets five chrome slats and the new Mahindra logo. You can also see the new curved-shaped LED DRLs and updated headlights. Its tweaked bumper sports a front camera and radar for ADAS. Rear Changes have taken place at the back as well. The biggest change is the connected LED tail lights. It also gets a new bumper. Side The new version of the SUV retains the original boxy silhouette. The only change in the side profile of the car is the introduction of freshly designed 17-inch alloy wheels.New Colour OptionsThe XUV 3XO has 8 dual-tone options paired with either Galvano Grey or Stealth Black, along with 8 normal plain colour schemes.Interior ChangesDashboard and Cabin The interior has undergone a major upgrade, featuring a more premium and modern design. The cabin now boasts a brighter ambience, which varies depending on the variant. Additionally, the automatic transmission (AT) model has a new gear lever. While the cabin has been updated with new features and screens, the seats and doors remain unchanged with only minor upholstery modifications.New Instrument Cluster The XUV 3XO features a brand-new 10.25-inch fully digital driver's display, offering a sharper and clearer appearance compared to the older driver's display. An impressive feature is that it allows your navigation to be displayed on the driver's display as well.New Infotainment System The smaller and outdated 7-inch touchscreen unit has been replaced with a larger 10.25-inch screen equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.New Features 10.25 High Definition Configurable Digital Instrument Cluster with Full Map View Safety The old XUV300 was already a 5-star rated safe car, and the new one has stepped up the game with level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, 6 airbags, 3-point seat belts for all seats, all-disc brakes, and electronic stability control.Engine OptionsThe XUV 3XO offers a diverse range of powertrains. Entry-level variants are powered by a 111 HP, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, while higher-spec models feature a 131 HP, 1.2-litre direct injection turbo-petrol unit. Additionally, a 117 HP, 1.5-litre diesel engine is available across nearly all variants. Transmission choices include manual and automatic options, including the new AISIN 6-speed automatic transmission for the mStallion engine. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Authorised dealers can claim input tax credit on demo cars

The Bengal Bench of the GST Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that registered automobile dealers can claim input tax credit (ITC) on demo cars. In its ruling, the AAR said, The applicant is entitled to claim input tax credit charged and paid on inward supply of cars which are used for demonstration purpose and supplied further after a specified time period. The ruling was in response to an application filed by Landmark Cars East Pvt. Ltd, an authorized dealer of Mercedes-Benz, seeking a clarification on whether it was entitled to claim ITC charged and paid on the inward supply of cars from Mercedes-Benz India, used for demonstration purposes. Input Tax Credit is the tax that a business pays on a purchase and that it can use to reduce its tax liability when it makes a sale. In other words, businesses can reduce their tax liability by claiming credit to the extent of GST paid on purchases. In the case of sale of demo car, the outward supply would attract the same rate of tax as its inward supply, which is 28% GST, plus cess levied on the sale of cars. However, reimbursement received by the dealer from the manufacturer on loss suffered on sale of demo car would attract 18% GST. Source: HT Auto

First few cosmetic mods on my BMW M2 before & after taking delivery

BHPian Reesnat recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The very first mod I did to the car even before I took delivery was protecting the front transmission cooler that is completely exposed in the M2 automatic cars. In our conditions there is a very high chance of this getting peppered badly and losing its efficiency, or worse, failing completely. The simplest solution I came up with was to purchase a honeycomb grill sheet (similar to the ones BMW use on their cars of the older generation), cut to size and secured via zip ties around the radiator. Found a cheap one on Amazon. I felt it was important to not put the grill right in front and secure it on the bumper, but secure it on the radiator itself. This is because underneath the transmission cooler, sits the engine oil cooler, so it was important to not block any air coming into that lower front area. With that done and delivery taken, the immediate next step was to get the car to my friend Niranjan at OCD for a full-body PPF and to get the wheels painted. Being a black car, I knew going in, I was going to be in for the pain of maintaining a black car in India. Let me put it this way - no matter what you do a black car is only clean for 5 minutes in India. Sad, but I still fancied owning a black car for that look, so took the plunge. For any darker-coloured car, good quality, self-healing PPF is a must if you want your car to look swirl-free over longer periods. So we settled for the most expensive PPF on the market, Llumar Valor. Plus 3M CR70 tints all around. Next, we wanted to tackle the wheels - after some looking around we settled on a shade of silver that compliments the wheel design and contrasts the black paint well. We ended up with a satin finish instead of going full matt or gloss. Next was to address a big issue with the look from the factory - the stance. The wheels are unusually inset very deep (for an M car) and come with pretty high GC for a car of this type so the wheel gap is significant. So spacers were much needed. I'm usually not a fan of spacers but in this case, it was a necessity to fix the look. Getting high-quality spacers is very important to avoid any sort of vibrations or seating issues. The seat between the wheel hub and wheel has to be perfect and even the slightest misalignment can cause vibrations. I picked up a set of Japan Racing spacers - 15mm in front and 12mm in the rear. In addition to the spacers, you need matching longer wheel bolts to match. The addition of spacers has pros and cons to keep in mind - the pros being better stance/look and an increase in the track width, this will improve the grip and handling characteristics of the car, making it sharper to drive. Cons are that it will add some weight (negligible) and will introduce a little more transmission into the chassis from the road due to the leverage increases. In the case of the M2, it has little feedback from the steering wheel so a little more transmission from the road isn't too bad. The spacers certainly delivered on the promised improvement in driving dynamics - noticed this straight away. On the exterior, I also wanted to compliment the carbon roof with some more carbon bits, so I picked up the carbon fibre mirror caps and rear lip spoiler. So with all that, this is how the car looked at this point: It's finally starting to look like an M car. The aggressive body design seems to fall flat with the way the car is stanced from the factory. Just the spacers make the whole design come together so much better! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Leadership determines whether institutions flout or value norms

Public vigilance may be the only safeguard against institutions that subvert foundational ideals. Alas, it happens much too oftenand not just in the education sector.

Anil Agarwal likens critical minerals to gold, says India should ensure self-sufficiency

The chairman of the natural resources conglomerate Vedanta said that not only are these minerals fundamental for new age technologies, they are also green metals.

Google Pixel 8a comes with Gemini AI, Actua OLED display: Check India price, specs and launch offers

Google has launched its latest midrange smartphone, the Pixel 8a, in India, featuring advanced specs like the Tensor G3 chip and 8GB RAM. With a 6.1-inch OLED display, 64MP dual-camera setup, and Gemini AI integration, the Pixel 8a promises a high-quality user experience. Google's commitment to software updates includes Android 14 and 7 years of security updates. The launch offers include discounts and bonuses, with prices starting at Rs 52,999 for the base model and sales beginning on May 14.

CBI vs banks on fraud: Its not too late to set the record straight

It would serve our banking sector well if the Supreme Court clarifies that its ruling on giving borrowers a hearing before classifying their accounts as fraud did not apply retrospectively. Confusion is proving costly.

E-rupee: Maximize its appeal

Indias CBDC can be popularized in various ways, like offline access and programmability. But to challenge cash, RBIs e-money will need to offer anonymity. To firm up such a promise, its best to legislate it.

Best Galaxy S24 Deals: Save Up to $1,000 Off a New Phone With Trade-In - CNET

Grabbing a Samsung S24 phone is a smart idea, and you can get one now at a discount if you trade in your old phone.

Aavesham OTT Release Date Announced: Check Where And When To Watch Malayalam Blockbuster

Aavesham OTT Release Date Announced: Check Where And When To Watch Malayalam Blockbuster

Google search interest draws attention to India's gold reserves

India's gold reserves garner attention with 29,300 Google searches. The UK and the US follow suit with substantial holdings. According to a report released by The Gold Bullion Company on Tuesday, India possesses around 804 metric tonnes of gold, valued at approximately $50 billion.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 features 'Ultra Retina OLED Display' and 'M4' chip: Check availability and India price

Apple iPad Pro 2024: Apple has unveiled the iPad Pro (2024), featuring a groundbreaking Tandem OLED display and the powerful M4 chip. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, the iPad Pro (2024) offers enhanced visual experiences, exceptional performance, and advanced connectivity options. With a range of storage options and competitive pricing, Apple's latest flagship tablet sets a new standard in tablet technology, promising users a blend of cutting-edge features and user-friendly design.

Best AirPods Deals: Save Up to $80 Off Apple's Earbuds and Headphones - CNET

If you're in the market for a new set of AirPods these discounts should have something for everyone.

Indias FY24 toy exports fall, separate strategies for each group key: GTRI

India's toy exports declined to $152.34 million in FY24. GTRI advises strategies like inviting international manufacturers, building a domestic ecosystem, and reducing dependency on imports to boost the industry and compete with China's market dominance.

Replacing the fuel pipe and battery on my H-D Heritage Softail Classic

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Harley Heritage Fuel Line Leak - 15-02-2024 So one fine day I was about to go for a ride and started the bike when I noticed that fuel had started leaking from the Check valve. I removed the fuel pipe by raising the check valve and releasing and some fuel was still leaking (which ideally should not). It is a common issue with Harleys as the O-rings (3 of them in the whole line) go bad over the years. Now instead of just giving us the O-rings of the exact size, Harley wants us to replace the entire assembly consisting of 2 parts - a Quick connect valve which goes inside the tank and attaches to the fuel pump inside and a tank to intake the Fuel Line. I decided to first try to repair it with O-rings, if possible. 1 O-ring was fixed in the intake fuel line And 2 more inside the Check Valve The Fuel Leak stopped for the time being under pressure from the fuel pump. Will have to see how it holds when the pressure diminishes itself when the bike is left unused for a few days. Harley Heritage BATTERY & Fuel Line purchased - 29-02-2024 So the fuel line fix of the O-rings was working but after the release of the fuel pump pressure, I could feel a very slight bleed when I touched the check valve. Perhaps, if we got the exact size of O-rings needed from Harley, this could have been a permanent fix. Not willing to take a risk, as this bike will be a keeper for my grandkids, I decided to get the fuel line changed. Also, the OE BATTERY was last replaced in 2018, so it had served me well for 6 years. So I decided to bite the bullet and get it changed with the OE one (which costs an arm and a limb) rather than do the experimentation with the Interceptor one (which BTW was working perfectly in my BMW 1250 GSA, as it was an exact fit and current rating for that bike as the OE BMW one). So the parts were received. First the OE Harley Battery (17.5Ah rating) Now being imported by Hero Motocorp directly from the US of A at a princely sum of Rs. 11,508/- Next was the new Fuel Line - tank to intake for Rs. 3886/- And then there was the Quick Connect Fuel Valve for Rs. 3475/-. This goes inside the fuel tank and connects to the fuel pump. A princely sum of Rs. 18,869/- was paid for these 3 parts, the main cost being the battery Now, since I was not comfortable with opening up the fuel tank, I asked for the Harley technician to pay a visit to Meerut. Since the price of the visit was quite reasonable, I decided to get the bike serviced also, as all these parts had already been lying with me for the last 5 years Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Tata Motors' Lucknow plant builds 9,00,000th vehicle

Tata Motors has announced a new production milestone as the 9,00,000th vehicle rolled out of its Lucknow facility. Tata's Lucknow plant is spread across 600 acres. It has been recognised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as a water-positive plant. The facility also houses a 6 MW solar power plant. The Lucknow facility was set up in 1992. Over the years, the factory has produced cargo and passenger commercial vehicles, light, intermediate, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, as well as electric and fuel cell electric buses. The Lucknow plant houses ultra-modern vehicle manufacturing stations such as a robotic paint booth and body-in-white shop featuring robotic spot welding. Presently, women constitute one-third of the technical workforce.

Used an air ambulance service in India: Things could have been better

BHPian BlackBeard recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello Everybody, This is to narrate my experience of utilizing the services of an Air Ambulance in India. The trip was from CCU to MAA. In 2022, a family member was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the MRI scan showed it to be sizeable and on a 2nd opinion from a known surgeon in Chennai, he recommended immediate surgery. As the patient was stretcher bound we looked for commercial flight options. Apparently, only Indigo & Air India transport stretcher-bound patients by air. To obtain the necessary permissions and get a slot on a flight (3 rows of seats have to be removed i.e 9 Pax. to accommodate a stretcher) is very time-consuming (Minimum 3-7 days) & depending on the passenger traffic in that particular sector further delays can occur, no doubt it's cheaper than the air ambulance. We decided the faster & better option would be to take an Air Ambulance. I searched the internet for options (Most air ambulance operators are located in Mumbai or New Delhi) & asked around a few friends and the hospital itself & got a few leads. After shortlisting a few operators I sent enquiries regarding the charges for the transportation, type of aircraft, facilities provided, how many support staff & family members were allowed to accompany the patient, etc. Since time was of the essence we shortlisted an air ambulance service provider based out in Mumbai. The aircraft assigned to us was a 6 seater Beechcraft Kingair C90 of 1980s/1990s vintage LMW Coimbatore was an ex-owner. Full payment was taken upfront and further details were shared only after that. 1 doctor, 1 nurse/technician & some medical eqpt. were provided (Ventilator, multipara monitor, defibrillator, suction machine, Oxygen etc). We thankfully did not need any of the eqpt. 2 family members were allowed on board the flight. We were told ETA of the aircraft at CCU was 1900 Hrs. The Ambulance arrived late at the hospital to pick us up. The journey from the hospital to the airport was by ambulance paid for by us and arranged by them (the vehicle was a Tata Winger). The driver was a slightly better version of the Ola/Uber chaps we use, sudden braking and all over the road (luckily the patient's stretcher was strapped down, myself & another family member was all over the place. I guess in India the concept of giving emergency vehicles the right of way is still alien to most people on the road. Once we reached the airport, we dropped off the lady passenger at the domestic departure terminal for boarding formalities and alighted the ambulance waiting for the AAI ambulance to take us to the Apron. The patient's stretcher was offloaded on the tarmac. There is something fundamentally wrong with us Indians, the absolute lack of empathy or conducting ourselves in a dignified manner. Making an 80-year-old man awaiting a medevac lie in a stretcher on the tarmac of a busy airport is absolutely ok. A nut case like me who loses his top at the drop of a hat had to grit his teeth and bear with it. I initially objected to the 1st ambulance departing till the 2nd arrived but that is all I could do. The AAI ambulance (A noisy beat-up Swaraj Mazda) arrived after a while and then we proceeded to the old airport terminal and took a side gate to enter the cargo terminal where a security check was conducted on the patient too before letting us proceed to the apron. We were joined by the lady passenger over there and again the patient was offloaded on the tarmac and the AAI ambulance left. We waited on the tarmac for some time before the stretcher was loaded onto the aircraft. The King Air C90 is designed to carry 6 Pax. & 2 crew and has a very narrow fuselage and a single door in the rear & very cramped inside. The stretcher had to be manoeuvred delicately to take it in and 2 seats had been removed to make place for the stretcher & secure it. We were supposed to depart at 2000 but managed finally at 2200 Hrs including the delays on the road and at the airport. The flying time was supposed to be 4.5 Hrs, with 1 re-fueling halt in Kakinada which was later changed to Vizag due to adverse weather. I thought the ordeal was over now that we were airborne, till the aircraft landed in Vizag. I was under the impression that the refueling would be a fast process, however, we waited for an hour for the tanker to arrive. All the while power on the aircraft was switched off the door was open and all of us except 2 people alighted to stretch our legs. I peeped inside the aircraft to check on the 2 people inside from time to time the heat and mosquitoes were terrible. By the time we tanked up and were ready to depart it was 2 hours plus. I even heard the pilot tell the refueller jaldi karo patient andar hai...so much so for this being a medevac flight. We finally took off and landed in MAA around 0430, 4 hours after the scheduled ETA. The hospital ambulance was waiting at the Apron of the business aviation terminal, we transferred the patient to the ambulance and were on our way to the hospital. The Air Ambulance service provider did provide agents to assist us at the CCU airport and were in contact via WhatsApp. IMO the entire process could have been smoother. The aircraft certainly could have been better but I do not know if this is a regulated sector in India, on what basis are the prices decided? Who decides them? Who certifies them? Does anybody have any similar experience? Would like to know their opinion about it. Before anybody asks, NO photos/videos were taken given the sombre situation. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Yes, releasing the EVM source code could improve our polling systems security

Open source software isnt more vulnerable to hackers but less, thanks to the highly skilled vigil kept by a broad community of developers, security experts and researchers. We should use it to safeguard our elections.

Only niggle in an otherwise good service experience of my XUV700

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts. One year/10 K service done today at CAI Automobiles, Coimbatore. No issues to report except a nagging rattle from somewhere on the left front side which they couldn't rectify. They impressed me first up when I saw the service technicians using a proper torque wrench on the wheel lug nuts; swear this was the first time in my life I saw this tool in the hands of any ASS employee. Pretty good experience overall. Only fly in the ointment: Mahindra isn't training their SAs on the vehicle specs adequately. I had to inform them that the recommended engine oil was Maximile Ultra V4 (Shell) and not Maximile Ultra (Valvoline). The latter is to be used only if the recommended oil can't be procured for some reason, as per the Mahindra booklet again. All this was befuddling news to them, and both the SA & CRM appeared as if they'd seen the booklet for the first time, going by the amused expressions they had while turning it over. The V4 being fully synthetic vs the other being semi-synthetic was totally lost on them, and they insisted that since they've not demanded any V4 & Mahindra is supplying them with only Maximile Ultra by default, therefore it means that Mahindra is recommending it as the oil of choice. Also, the fact that they've used Maximile Ultra only on all the diesel XUV700s serviced with them so far without any complaints is apparently a testament to it. I gave up after banging my head against this logic for 10 minutes. Can others chime in with what engine oil they were provided with at the service? Anybody used (15W40 I believe, it's not written on the can though) fully synthetic oil of any other make if they've been denied the V4 by the ASS? Thanks! Here's what BHPian Sommos had to say on the matter:During the 30K service of my vehicle, V4 was not available at the ASC. I had refused the service and raised a complaint with the CC. The ASC had arranged the V4 engine oil from a nearby dealer within a day and the 30K service was done the next day. You can try raising the issue with the CC quoting your manual.Here's what BHPian northstar* had to say on the matter:I think the availability of V4 is still a question in places other than tyre 1 & 2 cities. I had asked specifically for V4 in my 30k service and no one in the ASS was even heard of it. We have a group of 200 XUVs from Kerala and no one has ever experienced V4 yet !!!Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG updated with new safety features

Maruti Suzuki has introduced new safety features across all variants of the Brezza CNG. The Brezza CNG is currently available in three variants: LXI, VXI and ZXI, with prices starting at Rs 9.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The carmaker now offers Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Assist as standard on this model. The Brezza CNG is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 102 BHP and 137 Nm. When running on CNG, the engine puts out 87 BHP and 121 Nm. It is available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The petrol version of the Maruti Brezza is already available with ESP and hill hold assist. Other features include a 360-degree camera, reverse parking sensors, dual front airbags as well as side and curtain airbags, which are limited to the petrol version.

Got a BH series number plate for my car: Overall cost & experience

BHPian blueberry recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Saga of getting the BH series number RTOs across the country have made it harder to procure BH series numbers. As per the RTO agent, the stricter norms have come in from Nov'23. I feel its a good step to prevent misuse, But there needs to be a middle ground to not hassle genuine folks. BH series misuse - captured in this thread by GTO. Time taken to get BH number allotted: 15 days Do note - Make sure your name is same across PAN card, Aadhaar card, Vehicle invoice and Temporary registration slip. They did not insist on this being same for the temporary registration. But for BH, I had to modify my Aadhaar to include my fathers last name. (PAN mandates fathers last name also, Aadhaar doesn't - A concern for folks who don't have a concept of last name - e.g. some folks from the South of India) Documents needed from workplace as per GOI norms:Vehicle InvoiceTemporary registration certificateEmployee PAN cardAadhaar cardCertificate from workplace mentioning 4 GST numbersForm-60 (Working certificate) - includes:Registration number of organisation (CIN number)Registered address of organisationOrganisation's PAN card numberOrganisation e-mail addressEmployee UAN (PF)Apart from these documents, the RTO insisted on the following proof as well:An email from the HR to the RTO email IDContent of email - what is already there in form 60Last 3 Pay slipsRTO had also calculated the road tax in a way different from the GOI gazette.GOI rules say, tax is calculated on Invoice price (+) CESS {Same as ex-showroom price (-) GST}. And depending on this numerical value - tax bands applyUP RTO has calculated this tax on Invoice price alone (they've missed to add the CESS). They've also not considered the discount which has reduced the ex-showroom price.The tax band has been applied on overall Ex-showroom price. It ended up costing me 23K more over 15 years. I did not want to go through the hassle of dealing with the RTO again. I'm also moving cities next month, so I wanted this complete before moving. The value of BH registration is worth much more, so this doesn't irk me. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Killing of IAF corporal, village defence guard: Search operation intensified in Jammu

Security forces have intensified search operations in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region to track down terrorists responsible for attacking an IAF convoy, resulting in the death of an IAF corporal. The operation has expanded to areas in Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua districts to locate two groups involved in killing a village defence guard. The search includes the use of surveillance equipment and drones, with no trace of the terrorists so far. Twenty-two people have been detained for questioning, and CCTV footage is being reviewed for leads.

View: Apple needs to move the iPad beyond the toddler stage

Apple is set to try and revive its iPad line during a virtual event it has called Let Loose. It is expected to bring the first significant update to the high-end iPad Pro since 2018. Investors hope it will reverse five consecutive quarters of negative iPad sales growth. This is a chance for a revival of a product that shows great promise but has always felt artificially constrained.

Three Indian Navy ships visit Singapore as part of South China Sea deployment

Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan, led by Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, arrived in Singapore as part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet's operational deployment to the South China Sea. The visit aims to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between India and Singapore through various engagements. The Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy have a longstanding relationship, with regular visits, exchanges, and training arrangements. This deployment highlights the strong ties between the two navies.

How to clean the relays of an Interceptor 650 / Continental GT 650

BHPian raiuday recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Inty's gone through the first service in a week and done 560 kms overall. Time for a DIY. Inty/GT's relays tend to give up and the bike just stalls abruptly. Several forums online did mention the issues with earlier 5-pin relays but the same persisted with the newer 4-pin relays as well. RE gunks up the relay sockets with Lithium grease, like a lot, and that eventually heats up the relays and spreads over the entire sockets, blocking free conductivity between the relays and connectors. Solution? Get the factory grease off with an electronic contact cleaner (WD-40 electronic contact cleaner is what I used). You may choose to replace the relays altogether with 4-pin 12V 20A or 30A SPST relays from good brands like Bosch, Panasonic, Denali etc., but I've not done it although I had spare relays, as my bike is just a week old. Might do it if I face any issues in the future.Tools/materials used:Allen key to open the left side panel.WD-40 Contact cleaner.Permatex Dielectric tuneup grease.Ear cleaning bud to apply the grease.Soft cloth to wipe off the connectors.First step is to get the side panels and seat off the bike as the relays are accessible under the left-hand side panel. Be careful while pulling the left side panel as it involves getting the Allen bolt off on the frame under the seat and then by holding the left top corner, pull the panel towards yourself and it pops, then pull the panel upwards to get it off. Once the left side panel is off, you'll have access to the relays which are held in position by clips behind the sockets. Pull the relay sockets upwards off the clip and then the relays out. You can see the relays fully covered by grease. If you've OCD, go ahead and mark the relays to get them in exact same positions. The connectors and relays are goofed up with too much lithium grease which hampers the conduction of electricity, heating up the relays and ending up stalling due to the fuel pump not receiving the required wattage. Now shake the contact cleaner, point the nozzle at the relay connectors and give a thorough spray to get the gunk off. I've used a lens cleaning cloth around the smallest Allen key (toothpick does the job too) to wipe any remaining grease and moisture off the connectors. Let the sockets dry for 15 min while cleaning the relays. Apply a good dielectric grease very so slightly on the relay ends with the help of an ear cleaning bud as below. Note that when it comes to dielectric grease, a little does a lot and a lot goofs up the connections. Also, at this point, you may choose to replace the stock relays with those of any good brands as stated earlier. Once applied, access the below male-female plug connection, just above the relays and push the edges to access the connectors, wipe it off as well and apply the dielectric grease, then plug it back. Plug the relays back into the connectors and you should hear a clicking sound. Wipe the area clean. Once done, make sure to turn the bike on and check fuel pump priming up, horns, indicators, and lights working, and that no CEL is thrown when started. Run it for a couple of mins to see if the bike idles fine. After everything is checked and good to go, fit the panels back in. Make sure to tighten the Allen bolt back in place, once the left panel is on. I missed it and had to undo the panels again, then lock it off. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Honda ditches e:N names, as customers can't pronounce them

According to reports, Honda has decided to drop the 'e:N' prefix used on some of its newest international models. This includes the e:Ny1 sold in Europe and China. The name e:Ny1 is said to have been a clever play on anyone by Honda, however, the combination of letters and numbers has left customers confused. The 'e:N' prefix was used to indicate EVs produced by Honda in collaboration with its Chinese partners. Honda has confirmed that the brand will be dropping the 'e:N' prefix on all its Chinese-market EVs because customers just can't pronounce it. The carmaker also stated that going forward its EVs will switch to a more simpler alphanumeric naming structure; where e:Ny1 will change to Y1. The change in the naming structure is good news for the Chinese and European markets, where these cars are sold. The American market has been spared as Honda's recent EV, based on GM's Ultium platform received a conventional name - Prologue. Source: Road&Track

Tata Punch remains the most popular model in April 2024

The Tata Punch was the best-selling model in India last month. Punch sales zoomed past Maruti Suzuki's popular models like the WagonR, Swift and Brezza. The Punch has emerged as the highest-selling model for 2 months in succession. Tata Motors sold 19,158 units of the Punch last month compared to 17,850 units of the WagonR. The third best-selling model was the Maruti Suzuki Brezza with 17,113 units. The Punch was on top of the sales charts in March 2024 with sales of 17,547 units. In the same month, the Hyundai Creta was in second place with 16,458 units, while the Maruti WagonR was in third with 16,368 units. Models like the Tiago, Altroz, Punch and Nexon have fuelled Tata Motors' growth in the past few years. In FY2024, the homegrown carmaker pipped Hyundai to become the second-largest brand in India in terms of sales. Source:ET Auto

The Godrej family saga: Business succession should be led by a common vision

In multigenerational family business groups, succession planning is more than mere transfers of ownership and control. It encompasses nurturing talent, cultivating leadership, fostering a unified family vision and outlining priorities to ensure seamless power transitions across generations.

BITS Pilani alumni Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi and Sid Mookerji pledge $2 million to the BITS Endowment Fund

BITS Pilani alumni Sid Mookerji and Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi have pledged $1 million each to the BITS Endowment Fund, totaling recent commitments to $3 million. Prashanth Palakurthi, a technology entrepreneur, and Anuradha, his wife, previously donated $1 million to establish the Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research in 2018. The Mookerji Foundation, founded by Sid Mookerji and his wife Sophie Mookerji, pledged $1 million to support entrepreneurship development initiatives.

Petrobras loads diesel from Reliance on crude tanker in India after delay

The conversion of a crude oil tanker to carry clean products enabled Petrobras to ship bigger volumes of diesel from Asia at lower costs, with Asian sellers also seeking demand outlets outside this region, the sources said.

Kangana is 'suffering from mental ailment' claims Congress leader

He went on to say that BJP national president J P Nadda should get her checked in the psychiatry department.

Apple Event 2024 Live Updates: Refreshed iPad Air and iPad Pro expected to be unveiled at 'Let Loose' event

Decoding Isha Ambani's Met Gala 2024 look: Designer Rahul Mishra reveals her hand-embroidered sari gown took 10,000 hours to make

Isha Ambani's appearance at the Met Gala 2024 dazzled the fashion world, showcasing a hand-embroidered couture sari gown by designer Rahul Mishra. The gown, titled 'River of Life,' symbolized nature's beauty and took over 10,000 hours to create. Embracing sustainability and Indian craftsmanship, the ensemble featured delicate motifs and intricate embroidery techniques. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, Isha's look combined tradition with contemporary elegance.

Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' to headline Cannes Film Festival

Hollywood stars of a certain age -- Kevin Costner, Demi Moore and Richard Gere -- will be back on the French Cote d'Azur for the film industry's favourite shindig, which runs from May 14 to 25.

China-based EV maker Leapmotor plans India entry

Chinese EV maker, Leapmotor, is set to enter the Indian market. According to media reports, the company will be announcing its investment plans in the coming weeks. Leapmotor plans to bring its EVs to India in partnership with the Stellantis group. Reports suggest that the two companies are likely to announce their India plans in the next few weeks. If the proposal is approved by the government, it would pave the way for Leapmotor's budget electric cars to be launched in India. Leapmotor currently has three EVs on offer. These include the C01 4-door sedan, C11 SUV and the T03 electric hatchback, which seem to be the most likely candidates for India, given the fact the report mentions budget EVs. The T03 is powered by a 70 kW electric motor and offers a range of up to 280 km (WLTP cycle). It has 3 driving modes and 3 steering modes, among a host of other features. Stellantis announced its partnership with Leapmotor in October last year. The company plans to acquire approximately 20% with an investment of US$ 1.6 billion. Source: TOI

Could a few swing states determine who governs India?

A significant number of Lok Sabha constituencies across India could see very close results. Who will form a government is still an open question.

MotoGP: New 2027 regulations announced to improve racing

MotoGP recently came under the new ownership of Liberty Media, which also owns Formula 1. Now, the motorcycle racing series has announced a new set of technical regulations, which is scheduled to come into effect from 2027 onwards. The new regulations will make the premier-class championship more road-relevant and more efficient; while offering better racing and more overtaking. It also marks the end of the litre-class motorcycles in MotoGP, downsizing the engine displacement to 850cc. The reduced engine displacement will bring down the top speed of the bikes, making them safer, efficient and sustainable. The new regulations limit the bore to 75 mm, down from 81 mm. In addition, the regulations also bring down the number of engines allowed for the entire season from seven to six. Other regulation changes include a tight control on aerodynamics. MotoGP bikes from 2027 onwards will have a 50 mm narrower top fairing width. Also, the aerodynamics behind the rider will be part of homologation, with teams only allowed to update the same only once per season. MotoGP will also be banning all ride-height and holeshot devices from 2027. To make the sport safer, GPS data of all riders will be available to all teams at the end of each session. This is said to help lower-positioned teams to make better progress and keep costs in check. MotoGP will introduce 100% sustainable fuels. Currently, the racing series uses up to 40% sustainable fuel. Fuel tank capacity will also be reduced from 22 litres to 20 litres for a full race, while for sprint races it will be limited to 11 litres. Finally, in 2027, once the regulations come into force, all manufacturers will start the season in Rank B. They will then be assessed by mid-season to change the rank accordingly - ensuring a more level playing field. Source: Car&Bike

17,000 km & 1 year with my Maruti Ignis: 8 quick observations

BHPian rogerthat recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Update after 17,019 km and 1 year Iggy just got serviced at 17000 km 2 weeks ago, and i thought it is time to add more updates to my ownership review.AC struggles to cool initially in summer, when temperatures cross 37-38 degree Celsius.Boot is surprisingly adequate! I remember telling myself that the missus and I will have to pack light when going on long trips. I am never a fan of placing the rear seats down for extra luggage space, but i never had to until now. One 79 cm large suitcase at the bottom + Two 55 cm suitcases on top + Two medium duffel bags can be easily placed in the boot (without the parcel try ofc) and this placement of luggage does not obstruct my rear view either.Environmental odour seeps into the vehicle even when windows are closed and air recirculation is disabled. Not sure why this is happening.The under-bonnet insulation/lining is beginning to come off. SA said it is an issue with all Ignis vehicles and quoted 1200 for replacement as it is not covered under warranty.I had to replace my glove box as I broke it a few months ago trying to replace the AC filter myself. SA quoted 1600 along with going to the service centre again to get it replaced as the part was not in stock. I respectfully declined, bought the part on Boodmo for around 600 and changed it myself.Barring a single scratch by an errant BMTC bus driver, Iggy has not been involved in any accidents so far (touchwood). I consider it an achievement keeping in mind the Bengaluru traffic and lawless state of affairs on roads.I have begun to keep pepper spray in my vehicle seeing the number of road-rage incidents.Mileage has improved slightly. 15 kmpl in medium to heavy traffic and 21-22 kmpl on highways. Though I do admit that the improvement may also be because I have started to drive more sedately.Here's to munching more miles with this pocket dynamite! Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

You can now book an overnight stay at the Ferrari Museum via Airbnb

Airbnb has revealed its latest venture, called the Icons series. It offers travellers the opportunity to stay at some of the world's most iconic locations - one of them being the Ferrari Museum at Maranello, Italy. Guests staying a night at the museum will be treated to a host of exclusive perks, specially curated to give them the Ferrari Lifestyle. Apart from the Ferrari Museum tour, former F1 driver Marc Gene will be their host, giving guests the opportunity of a passenger ride around the Fiorano test track in a Ferrari 296 GTB. Guests will also receive VIP tickets to the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with exclusive access to the paddock area. Post the race, they can dine at Ristorante Cavallino - said to be Enzo Ferrari's cherished dining spot. Coming to the stay itself, the room will have a bed adorned in the same red leather used on the seats of a Ferrari. The bed will also be surrounded by some of the brand's old F1 cars. Customers can send their request for booking the experience between May 6 & May 8. Airbnb will randomly select potential guests for the opportunity. Source: Car&Driver

Ford unlikely to relaunch EcoSport, Figo & Aspire in India

Ford is reportedly gearing up for its next innings in India. The brand is returning to the Indian market with thenext-gen Endeavourbut is unlikely to bring the EcoSport, Figo and Aspire back. According to a media report, Ford will not bring smaller petrol or diesel models to the market. The carmaker will focus on the T6 platform, that underpins the Everest and Ranger. Quoting an unnamed source, the report states, That chapter [of made-in-India mass-market internal combustion engine models] is closed. Out internal combustion engine play in India will only be limited to T6 products. The Ford Everest and Ranger pickup have already been spotted in testing in India. Both models are being evaluated for local assembly, however the decision to start production would depend on the company's EV plan. Speaking of EVs, Ford is said to be working on an affordable EV based on a new platform. The low-cost EV platform is expected to spawn products that will rival the Tesla Model 3. Source:Autocar India

How to import a Land Cruiser Prado from Japan without involving Toyota?

BHPian TorqueIndia recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I was quite surprised by the pricing of the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 aka PRADO in Japan. The SUV is priced at just 28L with 2.8L diesel+8 AT+full time 4WD+ADAS in the 5s variant. The top variant costs around 42L in Japan, further while looking at the website reveals more interesting products with a wide variety of body styles and great value compared to Toyota India pricing (LC 300 is priced at about 2.6 CR in India) The question is how can we import these products from Japan as they are available in RHD too, SIAM shows the tax structure for various imports including used cars. Is there any option to import these Toyota cars without involving Toyota India? Toyota India has a very thin portfolio with exorbitant prices compared to their global lineup, be it a local product, CKD or CBU product Here's what BHPian Haze had to say on the matter:28 L (Prado) + 110% import Duty (30.8L) + Shipping fees (3-ish Lakhs) + Customs clearance and permissions agent fee (1 Lakh) = 62.8 Lakhs + 15% Road tax (Approx) = 72.2 LakhsJeep Wrangler On-road price Delhi (Source Carwale) = 72.2 LakhsDiscovery Sport price On road Delhi = 78 LakhsAnd these are before negotiations.And these have a manufacturer warranty.And parts availability.Here's what BHPian Bhodrolok had to say on the matter:If Toyota launches an LC 250 at 70 odd lakhs in India, they will not have room for the Fortuner to grow, so expect it at around 1Cr.Here's what BHPian Asoon had to say on the matter:Given Toyota's track record, this will not come below 1.1 Cr in India, So, 72L with all the hassle is worth this car. The day is not far when fortuner will be priced 75L and the buyers will wait in line for overpriced, feature, deficit, less comfortable SUV Prado / LC brand is way stronger than the Discovery Sport / Wrangler. if priced at 72/ 75L this product will own the segmentHere's what BHPian TorqueIndia had to say on the matter:There is an update from an importer in Mumbai, It will cost around 215% taxes including 100% customs duty as claimed, members can verify this and give a clearer picture. So LC 300 base petrol will cost around: 28Lx 3.15 = 88L LC 300 diesel top end : 43Lx 3.15 = 1.35 CR Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Upgraded from Zest to Nexon DCA: Why I chose to stick with Tata Motors

BHPian Visvesvaran recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Chapter #1: BackgroundAfter a very satisfying relationship with Zest QDJ 90BHP diesel for 8.5 years, the time had come to part. The reason to part was not the car. However, the process in Chennai to get the NOC for relocating from Chennai to Mumbai. With a heavy heart sold off through Spinny (the car got back almost 50% of the invoice value after 8.5 years and 89,000kms in the odo.) Zest was the largest car in sub 4m compact, dependable, tank-like composure on bad roads, minimal in maintenance and it was a delight on the highways. (22kmpl was a regular affair).Chapter #2: The Hunt for the new carWhile I had a positive ownership experience with Tata, I wanted to explore what was in the market. I was reading reviews of all new/old car user experiences over countless hours in Team-BHP, and I will say that the Team BHP reviews had a significant impact on the purchase decisions. Evaluated the following cars based on my needs (no sunroof, CSUV/SUV form factor, automatic transmission, min. 4-star safety rating (highways are getting faster and faster. Survivability is critical), petrol-fueled, city mileage of at least 10kmpl. Budget under Rs.20 lakh on-road price)Skoda Kushaq - I liked the car. Wifey rejected it as the car had a low-frequency rumbling noise (I could not hear though) that was coming through creating irritation for her. The features were also conservative and looked a bit dated. All high-end features were available only in the 1.5-litre engine version. (what an engine it was to drive!). The highest end was 23 lakhs + and beyond budget.Maruti Grand Vitara - I liked the strong hybrid car - hybrid technology and CVT refinement. But the body was a tin can and everything in the car was built and optimized for mileage only. All the creature comforts were available only at the highest end. The full hybrid was beyond budget.Toyota Hyryder - Rejected for longer delivery periods. 6 months plus!Elevate -Reminded of old Tata trucks with engine semi-forward design. Did not like it.Hyundai Creta and Kia Sonet - did not qualify, thanks to their safety ratings. Did not like the soft suspension too.Mahindra is was not evaluated.Most of the cars were compared with Nexon facelift (some were in the next class too) and rejected by way of elimination. Nexon facelift had far too many features and had an advanced cockpit. Great VFM. I was not very happy with the ingress/egress from the rear seats though - One needs to climb up to enter through the door (tall ground clearance) and the floor was a few inches deeper from the door. An awkward entry/exit position. Windows were small and claustrophobic. However, it felt safe inside the shell of the car.Chapter #3: Nexon - which Nexon?I took test drives - Diesel AMT, and Petrol DCA from different dealerships. DCA was butter smooth. The experience was almost on par with the Germans. The engine was silent and refined. This is great progress compared to the Xeta s of the previous generations. AMT experience was sad. The gear shifting was coarse and noticeable. Btw, sales experience at Tata showrooms is below par (the best was Skoda) and the sales guys do not sell. They are at best coordinators for TD and paperwork. If the customer is knowledgeable, they just keep quiet. The purchase experience was smooth. The leasing experience with Orix was great.Chapter #4: You said spousal experience. Tell me more...After purchase the car was not without niggles. Nothing of Severity1 issues. But mild irritants. Keeping the expectation low and needs adjustment to the new spouse. Be ready for surprises, thrown once in a while. overall great experience. Great car. So the bugs are pardoned for the other greater experience. Compromise? You can say so too!Chapter #5: List of software, and interface bugsIndicator clucks are not in syncOne touch up and down is not intuitive.No means of turning off the media player - except by pressing the Mute buttonThe media player does not advance to the next folder once the content is played. The path of the song playing is not displayed (USB media-based songs )Had to force restart the instrument cluster a few times - The indicator stopped flashing (only the clicks were heard and the camera displayed contents. The orange flasher stopped working. After the engine was stopped and restarted the bug disappeared. One time all the readings in the dashboard were showing zero. Had to stop, and force reset the instrument cluster. It started to work normally. media player, Apple car play sync issues.Trip computer, DTE mileage figures and tank to method computation have a significant variance. (the attached pictures give a good impression. practically, the mileage never exceeded 11-12kmpl) with a mix of urban and highway driving.DCA Gearbox bugs - (RESOLVED in the first service, after software upgrade)While the upshifts are butter smooth, the downshifts are perceptible. During rapid deceleration (unprinted speed breakers inspired by the Great Chinese wall ) the gearbox struggles to slot in the right gear. We need to understand the mind of the gearbox to get the best out.Summary: Overall the post-purchase experience in the last 1500kms was great. A modern CSUV with features loaded to the gills. Smoother driving experience, greater suspension, and stability on bad roads and the family is in love with it. Tata should work on the software niggles to give an overall great experience. Thanks to Team-BHPians for their views, reviews and guidance. Big thanks to all. Thanks for reading. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

In Europe, China faces headwinds but can India gain?

India's democratic principles and strategic positioning contrast with China's approach, presenting an opportunity for increased engagement and influence in Europe's evolving geopolitical landscape

Equitable survival: Climate action needs to be gender just

Our climate crisis is now visible in extreme heat, apart from more intense and frequent natural disasters. We need a gender-just plan of action to avert the loss of lives and livelihoods faced by millions of women around the world.

Used Digiyatra app for air travel the first time: My mixed experience

BHPian vigsom recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Introduction Way back when Whatsapp was a craze (or a rage), it was quite a while until I registered myself on the app and there's been no looking back since. Same with the much touted Digiyatra - I've seen for myself how a colleague departing Pune Airport with only cabin baggage, arrived quite late (courtesy mad traffic at Magarpatta), used the Digiyatra gate to swiftly enter the terminal at 2030hrs, and still made it to his 2105hrs flight just in time. Despite seeing this seamless entry of my colleague, I didn't get onto Digiyatra until a few days ago. Reason - late adopter of tech! The run up to being Digiyatra-isedEver since I saw that last minute entry of my colleague, I've always wondered if there was some catch and why everyone is so keen to enrol folks onto Digiyatra. I've seenScores of bluish green jacketed employees at Bengaluru Airport soliciting passengers to get onto Digiyatra,A dedicated counter for registering for Digiyatra,Annoucements about Digiyatra on all aircraft I've flown on the domestic circuitThe first few gates at Bengaluru T1 being converted to Digiyatra ONLY gates making the non digital folks move to Gate 6 at Bengaluru Terminal 1Making walks longer to non-Digiyatra security check points tooyet, was stubborn not to give in. What made me eventually Digiyatra-ize? As examples - when filing IT returns, when applying for Aadhar based vehicle transfer of ownership, registering for GST, availing a mobile SIM etc., the Aadhar portal is accessed and only after the OTP is provided do things move. Since I travel a lot and was keen on experiencing tech finally, I thought to myself, If the system doesn't breach my security beyond just accessing my face, it is a calculated risk I'll take for providing myself with a convenience, because I use the airports a lot Quick steps I followed to Digiyatra-ize myself Accessed the app on the playstore, downloaded it, registered myself using the same number that I have linked to my Aadhar, provided my credentials in the form of Aadhar, the OTP I received from UIDAI site, then took a pic of myself and was all set. Uploaded my boarding pass and I said I was ready to enter the airport in style the next morning. Registration/ Login Page Profile screen Credentials page to click on Aadhar and validate via OTP Entry in style was not to be When I walked up to the Digiyatra gate in style, I was asked by the CISF personnel if I'd registered on Digiyatra at the Airport to which I replied I'd done it at home the previous evening, to which I got a reply, Woh app to yahan kaam nahi kar raha hai ( that is not working here). The CISF person was kind enough to ask me for my boarding pass and ID (legacy system) and allow me in. I said, Huh, so much for digital, post which I got into the terminal, checked my bag in, and moved to security check. There, I joined the Digiyatra queue, looked at the screen and bingo, I was in seamlessly. I wondered - how could I not enter at the Terminal Gate while able to enter seamlessly at Security check? Welcome to the digital world! Digiyatra Malfunction While this experience left some questions unanswered, I got some answers by the time I reached my destination. When I tried logging into Digiyatra, I got a message stating - check your internet connection. This happened multiple times even though the first screen was opening, other websites were opening. I then went onto the official Digiyatra website, where I saw an error message to state that passengers should be prepared to use the identity card system between 26th and 31st March 2024. Journey#2 and re-Digiyatra-izing myself On reaching the airport, I attempted an entry into the Digiyatra queue without realizing that I hadn't been able to open the app, and therefore hadn't uploaded my boarding pass for the day. As expected, the gate didn't open. I went out of the queue, spoke to one of the bluish green jacketed agents, who was very patient and told me that the app had been updated and she asked me to download the new app and re-register. I did, and when I was all set, the app wouldn't take my boarding pass in pdf. Next jugaad - took a screenshot of the boarding pass, pruned the pic, and uploaded as an image. Done in a jiffy. Went to a Digiyatra gate, looked at the screen, and lo and behold, the gate opened! Walked in, printed my bag tag, deposited my bag, moved to Security queue no.7, looked at the screen, the gate opened, and I walked past the gate like a king. Old App (black) vs latest First landing screen after registering - I skipped the fingerprinting Validate Credentials via Aadhar Consent for picking up data from UIDAI Credentials validated after a photograph of self is validated against the pic on the Aadhar - this and the uploaded boarding pass become one's pass for smooth entry into the airport Consent before uploading boarding pass Boarding Pass uploaded as an image but did not take the pdf Moral of the story Digital can make one look like a king, or like a fool. When, like what, is a gamble. While I'm keeping the app, I look forward to more travel and hope I continue to enjoy a king type entry everytime! However, I'm also prepared to look like a fool. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Sure, insure people, but public healthcare for all is a must for Viksit Bharat

Wider health insurance coverage, as with Indias accident care plan, is welcome. But its a stopgap at best. We should aim for an efficient state-run healthcare system that covers all.

Memorial Day Deals 2024: Everything You Need to Know, Plus Early Offers to Shop Now - CNET

Massive discounts are heading this way. Get the full scoop and snag early deals on tech, appliances, mattresses and more.

Watch Out For Sylvester Stallones Timeless Watch Collection!

Watch Out For Sylvester Stallones Timeless Watch Collection!

New MSME payment clause in I-T Act: Supreme Court tells traders to move HC

On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to address a plea filed by various traders' associations contesting the legality of Section 43B(H) within the Income Tax Act. This section mandates that businesses settle their outstanding payments with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within 45 days to avail tax benefits.

Drone Destination signs pact with IFFCO for spraying agri products on 30 lakh acres of farm land

IFFCO and Drone Destination collaborate on a significant deal to enhance agricultural productivity through drone spraying across 30 lakh acres. The partnership aims to revolutionize Indian agriculture with innovative technologies and products.

Mid-spec Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI spotted at dealer yard

Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the next-gen Swift in India soon. Over the last few days, the car has been spotted at multiple stockyards across India. The latest images reveal the mid-spec variant of the Swift. According to reports, the new Swift will be offered in five trims - LXI, VXI, VXI (O), ZXI, and ZXI+. The car seen in these images appears to be the VXI variant. The Swift VXI gets projector headlamps with L-shaped LED DRLs and LED taillights. It has blacked-out A, B, and C-pillars, while the mirrors and door handles are finished in body colour. This variant gets electrically adjustable ORVMs with integrated turn signals but misses out on a rear wiper. Inside, the mid-spec VXI and VXI (O) trims are likely to get features like a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted control, and a height-adjustable driver seat. The VXI (O) will get additional features like telematics, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, and power-folding ORVMs. The 2024 Swift will be offered with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine that produces 80 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 112 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. The engine is expected to be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT. Thanks toRavifor sending these images in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing them with other enthusiasts viathis Team-BHP share page!

Tesla files lawsuit against Indian battery company Tesla Power

According to media reports, American EV giant Tesla has filed a lawsuit against an Indian battery company named 'Tesla Power', alleging trademark infringement. The EV maker is already said to have sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Indian company in 2022, which has a global office in Delaware, under the name 'Tesla Power USA'.*However, the company continues to use the name even now and argues that it manufactures lead acid batteries and not electric vehicle batteries and that it has no aspirations of entering the EV industry. Tesla Inc., however, states that the use of the name by the Indian company is causing confusion in the country. The EV maker's senior counsel, Chander Lall, stated that Tesla Inc. had started receiving complaints from customers which were actually meant for Tesla Power. The judge has barred Tesla Power from releasing any promotional material with the Tesla name until its next hearing scheduled for May 22. The battery company will also have to give a written response for its defence by then. Source: FoxBusiness

Best Deals on Earbuds and Headphones: Save Up to 50% on Skullcandy, Anker and More - CNET

Get yourself a shiny new pair of earbuds or headphones and save some money while you're at it.

Best VPN Deals: Get an Awesome VPN From as Little as $2 a Month - CNET

Get yourself a VPN for cheap and save money on your security.

Long drive in the Porsche 911 with my son riding shotgun

BHPian androdev recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Got these on a recent flight - never felt so excited with a toothbrush kit to be repurposed as a school stationery pouch. I couldn't wait to return home and give them to my kid. I don't understand why the car dealers give totally pointless gifts like sweets, chocolates and dry fruits. Simple brand merchandise like these would be so much more exciting and far cheaper. To celebrate our new prized possessions, junior and I went for a long drive. In the middle of the drive, out of the blue, I looked at him and said This thing is amazing, there is a good chance it might kill us someday! We both looked at each other and silently agreed to live a long life. I started paying attention to the fuel economy and was pleased to see it was close to 10 kmpl. On the way back, I saw something spectacular in the rearview mirror waiting to overtake me. It turned out the mighty big brother TurboS. Looked absolutely smashing from the front and rear. I drove right behind him for some time as long as the traffic was not so light and then once the traffic cleared he took off and vanished. I felt let down - I was hoping we both could do a song and dance routine on the road. Damn, that car looked absolutely gorgeous! My son and I were hypnotised and mesmerised. Told him to study hard and buy me one in future, the new stationery pouch should come in handy. Further down the journey, a red Octavia was following me all the way till I took the exit to get off the highway. He was not interested in overtaking, he just wanted to drive right behind me, always passing several cars to stay behind me. Later I noticed he too was traveling with a young boy as shotgun! We did some song and dance routine for some time till my exit came! We didn't see each other but if we did, we would have exchanged some nerd-dad-thumbs-ups! Saved ourselves the blushes. Here's what BHPian TheGearBox had to say about the matter:Wow. Which airline gives Porsche branded merchandise?Here's what BHPian androdev replied:You can guess it would be a German airline - Lufthansa (business class, don't know if given in economy class also). They were running Porsche Macan ads on the inflight entertainment system - must have been some marketing campaign. I was tempted to check all seats at the time of exit to collect the leftover pouches but controlled my desi instincts.Here's what BHPian A.K had to say about the matter:Sharing an image taken by the driver of the red Octavia. Very interesting to see your car photographed, since I don't recall seeing any images aside from your own of this car ever since it has come into your ownership. Quite the ninja, if I may! Image credits : Prashant Here's what BHPian ChiragM had to say about the matter:That red Octavia is a usual spot on that road on Sundays and is a huge fan of your car.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Honda working on CB350-based scrambler; patent leaked

Honda has filed design patents for a new scrambler-style motorcycle. It is likely to be based on the CB350 platform. The patent images reveal a bike that looks similar to the H'ness CB350. However, it has a different fuel tank design, akin to an ADV and even features a metal bracket on the side. The seat has also been redesigned. It is a 2-piece seat with the front seat designed to overlap the fuel tank in true ADV style. The bike has a circular headlamp, swept-up exhaust and a long rear fender. The new Honda scrambler is expected to use the same 348cc single-cylinder engine as the CB350 and CB350RS. This unit produces 21 BHP and 30 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Scrambler could be equipped with a telescopic front fork featuring rubber gaiters and conventional shock absorbers at the rear. The brake setup might consist of disc brakes at the front and rear. Source:Bikewale

VW Virtus 1.5 GT+ MT review after 10,000 km & a drive to the mountains

BHPian elMattador recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I bought the VW Virtus 1.5TSI GT+ MT back in August 2023 as an upgrade from my 12-year-old Brio S(O) 1.2 MT. I bought it for frequent highway runs on my work trips and for holiday road trips, what an upgrade the Virtus has been so far! I've clocked 10,000 km since August but it's the last 1,000 km driving earlier this month, Gurgaon - Chandigarh - Manali - Koksar - Sissu - Keylong and back that have really put that ear-to-ear grin on my face. The views up in the mountains once you emerge from the north portal of the Atal Tunnel are magnificent! Valentina is a calm highway champion and also a great dance partner through the excellent mountain twisties, some observations of my drive: Views prior to the Atal Tunnel give you teasing glimpses of what is to come Performance and Driveability With its long gearing, I'm beginning to understand it's much more suitable to use this car more as a highway cruising tourer GT rather than a boy racer to launch off the lights. The power and torque on hand allow you to cruise effortlessly in 6th gear on the highways/expressways at 100-120 kph. With a slight prod on the throttle, the revs get into the sweet spot and you're moving past the vehicle ahead. I'm yet to get close to the redline (saved that for post the 15k service!) but a blip, downshift to 4th, and by 4,500rpm she's already doing silly speeds overtaking everything on the highway. Up in the hills, compared to the naturally aspirated engines I've driven in the mountains before, the forced induction TSI definitely stemmed power loss at higher altitudes but I could still feel a slight lethargy so it doesn't eliminate it completely (Koksar, Sissu and Keylong are all situated > 10,000feet) Parked up on the side in Sissu for some photo ops. That mountain is so majestic! Looking fine in the sunshine! The blacked-out tail lights and wheels contrast nicely against the silver paint. Handling and Feels A REAL MENTAL DILEMA: HEART vs MIND! The high ground clearance has meant I've never scrapped the bottom to date on our roads, o-roads, dam-like speed breakers, or oddly constructed parking lot ramps in the city. I can definitely feel the body roll while turning into corners during spirited driving. The roads from Sissu to Keylong were void of traffic and in surprisingly good condition (kudos to the BRO) with a good mix of sweeping curves and some hairpin sections. The grip is excellent - never felt like I was even near the limit of grip - but the body roll and understeery nature of the stock vehicle lead to a slight loss of confidence on entry and mid-corner. (Big contrast to my old Brio which had a nice darty front end). The pedals are spaced nicely for some heel and toe dancing as you approach corners rowing down the gearbox but the longish clutch travel is a bit of a dampener reminding you again to cruise maturely and not rip! I'm considering lowering springs + better shock absorbers once there are better plug-and-play options for our MQB-A0-IN vehicles(looking at you with wide-eyed hope BILSTEIN if you're reading this!)but I'm also mindful of losing the benefits of the stock suspension. Perhaps I'll leave it for a post-warranty upgrade after I complete a bucket list item i.e. to drive to Leh-Ladakh via the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Question to more technically knowledgeable folks: I've read some posts from those who have had their vehicles coded to adjust the XDS system to reduce understeer while cornering. Is the XDS e-Diff built into the AT DSG DQ200 transmission? Or is there a separate module adjustable on the MT cars as well like mine? Does anyone know the gearbox model on the MT Virtus 1.5TSI EVO: MQ200? MQ281-6F? something else? Comfort and Practicality Enough has been said on this topic on the forums. The rear seats while having decent legroom are not the most comfortable place to be: the rear seatbacks are a bit upright (subjective) but the headrest angle is odd jutting into the passenger's neck no matter what height it is adjusted to. The air-conditioning is not the greatest either especially in the rear seats. Happily, I drive 90% of the time ...in the ventilated seatsThe trunk has a lot of space, I went hiking and camping in the Kaisdhar Forrest South of Manali initially and the trunk swallowed everything along with 10 days' worth of luggage and additionally, my cousin's bags who decided last minute to travel to Chandigarh. Conclusion She's been great on this trip, ending with some of my favourite photos of the vistas she brought me to. Looking forward to more road trips, the drive forms an essential and enjoyable part of my vacations. Leh Ladakh in the summer and Sunny Goa in the winter beckon! It's so pretty up there, no matter how clumsy I was with my phone camera, I always ended up with a beautiful photo. Fresh snow at the tip of the peaks. The beautiful blue water of the river Chenab winding through the mountains. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

DIY quick connector for Bosch C7 (and C3) car battery charger

BHPian vidyanand recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I needed an extra quick connector to charge my TVS Wego, which has limited use for local errands and would often get discharged by sitting idle. The battery is difficult to reach compared to a car. You need to unscrew 4 bolts to remove a panel and then pull out the battery to access the terminals to clamp. The quick connect harness for Bosch C7 would take care of avoiding this easily. Although searching with the part did result in Amazon listing but was never available Bosch C75AC0 Quick Connect Cable Harness for C7 Battery Charger with Built-in Cable Fuse. I shot an email to Bosch customer service which was of no help. They redirected to check with the local Bosch Car service centre which never had this product. So eventually decided to go the DIY way as earlier suggested in the thread. Items needed:XT60 connector pair - 1Electrical Wire Crimp Terminals Connectors 4-6 sqm (this is the same size as in the C7 charger) - 41.5 sqm wires - needed length in pairShrink WrapSoldering Kit I had all items available at home except the connectors. XT60 was ordered on amazon while the battery terminal was sourced from the local electrical shop. The task is simple, make two sets of the XT60 -to- Battery Terminal Connector. One with a Male one and the other with a Female XT60 connector. Pics to clarify. Fix the other set to your car (or scooter ) battery terminals. I fixed in scooter and routed it to the storage compartment for easy access. Shrink wrap/zip tie the cables together along the length as needed so that they do not move around. I made a small hole to let the cable into the compartment. Missed taking the battery terminal connected pic (will request mods to attach later when I access the battery in the future). That is it. Just pop up the seat (hood in your car) and connect it to charge multiple vehicles as needed. Just add one set for each vehicle, making sure that all vehicles must use the same connector end (Male or Female) while the C7 attached is the opposite end. XT60 can be bought individually by all Males or all Females as needed. Significant Pointers:Can use any such easily available connector pairs, e.g. XT90 or other.The connector has +ve and -ve markings to make it easier. I used blue wire for the negative and red for the positive.Connectors already soldered with wire are also available in case you want to skip soldering. Simple connect or crimp will ease the job.The battery Terminal ring that I used was perfect for the 12V battery in Wego. Do check for size if your car battery has bigger terminal bolts. I went with the ring size in the C7 kit assuming this would work.This is not waterproof at the connectors without a cap. One can choose a waterproof connector set, if available. To reduce risk, I kept the connector with the cavity attached to C7 clamps while the one in the scooter would not accumulate water. Additionally, I used a USB-A Terminal cap to mould as a cap in the scooter. That's all folks, hope it helps since Bosch did not make this part available to buy for users with multiple vehicles to charge. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Artificial intelligence holds the key to urban resilience

Deploying AI against climate change can make our cities safer, more adaptable and more sustainable. The unequal distribution of climate-driven threats warrants equal opportunities for all of us to upskill and adapt.

Installed Gold Runway aux LED lights on my Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

BHPian aviator1101 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Purchased the costliest accessory for Bagheera (my Himalayan) : a pair of Gold Runway aux lights for 20,500.00 The performance of the stock LED headlight is very poor. Hardly anything is visible when any vehicle comes from the opposite direction. Hence, the need was felt to upgrade the lights. Thanks to fellowbhpiantechfreakfor recommending these lights to me. But they are worth every penny. The lights come with all accessories required for installation and nothing else is required to be purchased separately. The box comes with a pair of aux lights, yellow filters, a pair of clamps, a wiring harnessanda switch with rotary control to adjust intensity /brightnessanda set of nuts, boltsandwashers required for installation. Installation is a simple DIY. The lights were fixed to the clamps which were further fixed to the tank guard frame. This is how the lamps are fixed to the frame. Photo of both lamps installed on either side of the stock headlight The performance, I must admit is beyond my expectation. The best part is the intensity is adjustable from 10% all the wayuptofull (100%) The high beam switch makes the intensity increase to 100% Also, the horn switch activates the strobe function which is a deterrent for oncoming traffic who refuse to switch from dipper to dim. Sharing a linkofthe video demonstrating the various functions of the light after installing it on Bagheera. Video Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Pushback power: GenAI cant beat us on a key aspect of human creativity

Amazing but slavish creative tools cant really rival human minds. Companies need creative thinkers who will challenge their ideas, and they wont get that from AI bots.

Duster 1.3L turbo: 6 things I've faced during my 34,000 km ownership

BHPian mav3r1ckblu3 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hi Fellow T'BHPians, This is just an ownership update since my last upgrade (which was actually about the downsizing of tyres). I've now driven 34000 Kms approximately in 3 years and it has been a wonderful experience of owning this underrated beast of a machine. One thing that has stayed consistent since the beginning of ownership is that even to this day, every time I switch off the beast and lock it to park it, I look back at it in admiration at least once before walking away Everyone already knows about the good things of this beast so at the cost of sounding like a broken record let me go over it all over again.Powerful engineGreat suspensionExterior has aged well (I'm old-school, and this looks brilliantly proportionate from ANY angle)VFM product (15 Lakhs on-road for a fully loaded Turbo Petrol MT at the time of purchase)Interiors have held well, with NO loose-fitting peripherals which rattle at the slightest jerk on bumpy roads.Hydraulic steering, so great feedback from the road (not to everybody's liking though)OEM ICE has held its own, I only upgraded the front speakers to JBL (you can find the write-up on this thread)Storage, plenty of spaces to store things inside the cabin and in the boot.Highway mileage of 15 Kmpl is my personal best so far.Not-so-great things:Turbo lag till 2000 RPM (I'm used to it now, learnt to modulate the clutch and accelerator to overcome this)Hard clutch (used to it now, for comparison, the clutch of the new Force Gurkha is light-er compared to this)Manual transmission makes its presence felt during rush hour and start & stop traffic (I don't need to go to the gym to exercise my leg muscles due to point no. 2 above)Interiors (I don't mind it though, functionality over form for me)Single-digit mileage when driven hard.Things I faced during ownership (I have opted in for extended warranty and Renault easy care packages BTW)Auto start-stop feature - I never used this feature (disabled this to save battery and turbo) but it stopped functioning one time and the ASC replaced the relay fuse which had gone kaput, free of cost.Rat bite issue with engine harness wiring, TWICE. Once in Kerala during the second year of ownership, which the in-house insurance took care of, got it back within a week. The second time in Chennai, just before the floods last year, in-house insurance kicked in again, but this time I got the vehicle back in 45 days (due to the engine harness wiring being in backorder status). It's a long story of me running pillar to post, involving the Renault India CEO in the email, which I'll elaborate maybe some other time. But the insurance saved me a total of 72000 INR, I only had to pay a total of 5000 INR out of my pocket for both instances. I have the engine protection cover in my insurance BTW. After the second instance, I got the underbody gauge mesh wiring installed to prevent any future Rat incursions (9000 INR spent)OEM Battery dead (this was immediately after the second instance of rat bite, vehicle lying in ASC for 45 days might have played a part, but by then it was already 32000 Kms run, so had to spend 6K (with the exchange of old battery) for a 60 DIN Amaron battery, the original VARTA battery was nowhere to be found.Scratches and little dents, so these maybe due to the cleaning guys over the years, plus also due to the lovely colour of my beast (Mahogany Brown, which is a blessing and a bane at the same time)Expensive in-house insurance cost, I opted out of it during the beginning of 4th year of ownership, and it saved me 50% cost of renewal (INR 36000 in house vs INR 18000 outside)Steering vibrations while traveling at 100+ Kmph, this was after the 4th service of 30000 Kms at the ASC that I noticed while driving back to Chennai from Kerala. While doing the wheel rotation during service the front left wheel rim just won't come off from the centre hub, despite the best of kicks from the engineers at ASC, then I had to intervene and show them the party trick of how to get it off. I'm afraid that those kicks had done some sort of damage. After the service I got the tyre balancing done from the outside but the issue still persists. I'm in a fix as to how to get it resolved. Any pointers would be helpful.If you've read it all and have come this far, I appreciate you spending time reading this. Apart from that 45-day stint at the ASC and the yet unresolved steering vibration issue, my ownership has been nothing short of wonderful. Especially considering the horror stories that I've read of owners of some of the newer vehicles that have arrived, I consider these issues pretty trivial. I hope the next 34000 Kms are as eventless and oring as the previous 34000 have been. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Why did the engine check light illuminate on my new Bullet 350

BHPian HillMan recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Over the weekend, I noticed the engine check light illuminate and remain lit on my 2024 Bullet 350. Witnessing this on a new bike naturally raised concerns, yet the remedy turned out to be surprisingly straightforward.Here's what occurredThe fuel level dropped, triggering the low fuel indicator. Despite this warning, I continued to ride for a couple of days. Earlier, when attempting to refill the tank after the low fuel indicator activated, the fuel tank neared overflow at around 8 litres, though it's designed for a capacity of 13 litres. Hence, I assumed there was approximately 4 litres left in the tank upon the indicator's activation. After a few days of operating with low fuel (I missed recording the odometer reading, estimating a low fuel run distance of around 30-35 kms), the engine check light illuminated. Since it was evening, I decided to park the bike in my garage and planned to take it to the Royal Enfield service centre the following day for a quick inspection. However, before doing so, I refilled the tank. Voila! With the low fuel indicator light, the engine check light was now gone. The likely culprit behind the issue was the fuel pump overheating due to insufficient fuel in the tank to keep it adequately cooled. While I initially suspected the engine check light was related to the pump overheating, I realised this wasn't the case, particularly as I experienced it even during a cold start. It seems more likely that the sensor for low fuel was the trigger. Nevertheless, the problem has been resolved, offering a valuable lesson in bike maintenance. Here's what BHPian 2wheelsvaga had to say about the matter:Thanks for sharing this experience. It certainly looks like one has to pay much more attention to fuelling than one used to in the past. The dealers made it a point to explain to me that the tank should never go empty, and also that it should never be completely filled to the very brim. I wonder what is the best practice to manage it in conditions where one doesn't have access to a petrol pump and the fuel level keeps going down. Pretty common on the route to Ladakh or other mountains even slightly off the beaten (touristy) track. Also, any recommendations on transporting the motorbike via trains? One of the legal requirements is that the entire fuel tank has to be emptied out. I wonder if that's a good idea given such instructions from the bike manufacturer.Here's what BHPian HillMan replied:You can fully empty the tank for transportation. It will not cause any issues. Fuel pump inside the tank is common in cars as well, nothing to worry about it. Pumps don't run continuously, they have automatic cut-off and maintain a range of pressure. Filling the tank to the brim is also not an issue. I've tried it once and did not have any leak issues as well. I usually fill 5 ltrs at a time for daily use. These bikes are tested in Leh and people go there regularly. Take it easy. Enjoy the bike. Don't overthink.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Budgeting Issues? Best Money-Saving Tips For Students Studying Away From Home

Budgeting Issues? Best Money-Saving Tips For Students Studying Away From Home

Bajaj CNG bike technical details revealed via design blueprints

Bajaj Auto is gearing up to launch a CNG-powered motorcycle in India next month. While the company hasn't shared any information yet, leaked design blueprints have revealed new technical details of the bike. As per the leaked images, Bajaj Auto's CNG motorcycle will be based on a double cradle frame. The petrol tank appears to have been reshaped to make space for the CNG tank positioned under the seat. The bike has a 'sloper engine' with the cylinder sitting almost parallel to the rear swingarm. This configuration helps liberate space for all the fuel systems and other ancillaries. The third image shows the tubular chassis of the CNG bike. It shows additional braces and a subframe that holds the CNG tank. Reports suggest that the upcoming Bajaj CNG bike will use a 110cc single-cylinder engine. The company claims that it should be able to cut down on operating and fuel costs by up to 50-65%. Source:Bikewale

Startups have a lot to learn from long established organizations

From having motivated teams and unbiased advisors to good bureaucracy and governance, startups must focus on relevant metrics to measure their growth. They can draw vital lessons from the longevity of large firms.